Section 05 – Conformation Recording: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 18:08, 27 May 2025

Introduction

This document contains a description of conformation traits scored in dairy cattle breeds, dual purpose cattle, beef cattle breeds and dairy goats. For the four groups a separate trait list has been established. For the traits, trait definitions are given in wording and with drawings.

Besides giving trait definitions, recommendations are given on improvement and transparency of data collection and monitoring classifiers.

For the dairy, dual purpose and beef cattle breeds a recommendation on scoring conformation defects is given.

Linear and composite type traits

Linear Type Traits

Linear type traits are the basis of all modern type classification systems, and are the foundation of all systems for describing the animal. Linear classification is based on measurements of individual type traits instead of opinions. It describes the degree of trait not the desirability.

Advantages of linear scoring are:

Traits are scored individually.
Scores cover a biological range.
Variation within traits is identifiable.
Degree rather than desirability is recorded.

Standard traits

The standard traits satisfy the following conditions:

Linear in a biological sense.
Single Trait.
Heritable.
Economic value, direct or indirect with reference to the breeding goal.
Possible to measure instead of score.
Variation within the population.
Each linear trait should describe a unique part of the animal which is not covered by a combination of the other linear traits.

Composite traits and general characteristics

Composite traits

Composite traits are groups of linear traits relating to one specific area.
The individual linear traits are weighted according to economic breeding objectives.
The main composite traits for dairy cattle are: frame including rump, dairy strength, mammary, feet/legs.
The main composite traits for dual purpose breeds are: frame, mammary, feet/legs and muscularity.
The main composite traits for beef breeds are: muscularity, type (breed standard), feet/legs, development and final score.
The main composite traits for dairy goats are: frame, udder, feet/legs and final score.

General characteristics

Type classification programs also include phenotype assessment. These are described as general characteristics or combined traits, which are not linear in a biological sense. A subjective score is given for the desirability of the animal according to the breeding goal.

Female animals for dairy and dual purpose breeds are inspected, classified and assigned grades/scores ranging from 50-97 points.
For beef breeds animals are inspected, classified and assigned grades/scores ranging from 60-99 points.
Dairy goats are inspected, classified and assigned grades/scores ranging from 1-9 points.

The most common scale for mature cows (second or more lactations) in points are described in Table 1.

Table 1. Range of scores for general characteristics or combined traits for cattle of dairy, dual purpose and beef breeds and for dairy goats.
	Dairy and dual purpose breeds	Beef breeds	Dairy goats
Excellent	90 - 97	90 - 99	9
Very Good	85 - 89	85 - 89	7 - 8
Good Plus	80 - 84	80 - 84	4 - 6
Good	79 - 75	79 - 75	2 - 3
Fair/Poor/Insufficient	50 - 74	60 - 74	1

The awarding of classification grades varies in each country depending upon the breeding goals, and therefore classification scores must be considered in the context of the country of inspection.

The final class and score are derived from a breakdown of the main functional areas of the female:

For dairy cattle: 1) Frame including Rump, 2) Dairy Strength, 3) Mammary System and 4) Legs/Feet.
For dual purpose cattle: 1) Frame, 2) Mammary System, 3) Feet & Legs and 4) Muscularity.
For beef breeds: 1) Muscularity, 2) Type (breed standard), 3) Legs/Feet and 4) Development.
For dairy goats: 1) Frame, 2) Udder and 3) Legs/Feet.

For the quality of data for beef breeds it is important to score the traits for categories of similar age or sex. For example:

Calves at weaning (5-10 months).
Heifers: 6 months before calving.
Cows: between first and second calving.

For the quality of data of dairy goats it is important to score the traits for categories of similar age or sex.

The weighting of the component breakdown scores should meet the breeding goals in the Country of inspection.

It is recommended that for first lactating cows of dairy and dual purpose breeds the range of scores used is 70 - 90 points. The average score is always in the middle of the maximum and minimum a first lactating cow can be awarded.
For beef breeds it is recommended that for animals the range of scores used is 60 - 99 points. In the case of the range 60 - 99, the population average should be close to 80.

For dairy goats it is recommended that for animals the range of scores used is 1 - 9 points. The average score is always in the middle of the maximum score and the minimum score the group (for example population within a country) can be awarded. In the case of the range 1 - 9, the population average should be close to 5.

Genetic evaluation of dairy and dual purpose animals

Type inspection system - Genetic evaluation

Breeding values for bulls and cows to be based on the classification of cows in the first lactation scored in a herd evaluation system.
In a herd evaluation system all first lactating cows, which have not be previously evaluated, must be scored during the visit of the classifier
Additional classifications to obtain a bull proof may only be possible if completed by the same organisation and daughters are sampled randomly with sufficient number of herd mates (contemporaries) scored during the same visit. A minimum of 5 first lactating cows, which qualify for genetic evaluation, are inspected at the same visit

Evaluation model

Modern BLUP evaluation techniques should be used to obtain accurate unbiased evaluations.
Data should be corrected for influencing factors such as age, stage of lactation and season by the model. Classifiers should not make adjustments during scoring.
Corrections for variation between classifiers are required to avoid heterogeneity of variance.
Herd mates are defined as the contemporaries of the evaluated heifers in the same lactation, scored during the same visit by the same classifier.

Publication of information

Publish bull-proofs around an average of 0 and a genetic standard deviation of 1.0.
Proofs of widespread bulls should be published as bar graphs covering the range between +3 and -3 standard deviations.
Or: Mean of 100 & the standard deviation in the base population where this standard deviation is adjusted to the situation the proofs of cows have a reliability of 100%.
The base of sire and cow evaluation should follow the definition of the production proofs, given by Interbull. This includes a stepwise fixed base that should be renewed every five years. The base is defined by cows born 5 years previously.

Conformation recording of dairy cattle

The ICAR multi dairy breed conformation recording recommendation integrates with the World Holstein-Friesian Federation guidelines on the international harmonization of linear type assessment, trait definition, evaluation standards and publication of type proofs for bulls.

This document contains a list of approved standard traits, which is a list of traits which should be scored by all organisations in the same way to improve further harmonisation on international level, also on Interbull level. The data collected within these recommended standards qualifies for MACE evaluation by Interbull.

Further the document contains a list of 5 traits which are commonly used by organisations in the dairy and dual-purpose breeds world-wide. This list of common standard traits is added to improve harmonisation of these traits too.

Besides giving trait definitions on standard traits, recommendations are given on improvement and transparency of data collection and monitoring classifiers.

The list with standard traits and the standard trait definition for Dairy Cattle can be found in Appendix 1: The standard trait definition for Dairy Cattle.

Conformation recording of dual purpose cattle

This document contains a list of approved standard traits, which is a list of traits which should be scored by all organisations in the same way to improve further harmonisation on international level, also on Interbull level. The data collected within these recommended standards qualifies for MACE evaluation by Interbull.

Further the document contains a list of 5 traits which are commonly used by organisations in the dairy and dual-purpose breeds world-wide. This list of common standard traits is added to improve harmonisation of these traits too.

Besides giving trait definitions on standard traits, recommendations are given on improvement and transparency of data collection and monitoring classifiers.

The standard trait definition for Dual Purpose Cattle can be found in Appendix 2: The standard trait definition for Dual Purpose Cattle.

Conformation recording of beef cattle

The ICAR multi beef breed conformation recording recommendation describes a set of conformation traits which currently are used in several countries in several breed. The traits are defined in such a way that they are not breed specific.

This document contains a list of standard traits, which is a list of traits which could be scored by all organisations in the same way to improve further harmonisation on international level.

The list with standard traits and the standard trait definition for Beef Cattle can be found in Appendix 3: The standard trait definition for beef breeds

Conformation recording of dairy goats

The ICAR multi dairy goat breed conformation recording recommendation describes a set of conformation traits which currently are used in several countries in several breed. The traits are defined in such a way that they are not breed specific.

This document contains a list of standard traits, which is a list of traits which could be scored by all organisations in the same way to improve further harmonisation on international level.

The list with standard traits and the standard trait definition for dairy goats can be found in Appendix 4: The standard trait definition for dairy goats

Improving data quality and monitoring classifiers

Introduction

When collecting data on animal performances on a routine basis it is important to do this in a consistent and transparent way. In this way quality of data can be guaranteed and for everybody it is clear how it is done. This is also important for scoring animals for conformation traits, which is normally done by classifiers, specially trained doing this job.

This chapter describes the improvement of quality and transparency of data collection for conformation traits.

Practical aspects of type classification system

One organisation should be in charge of classifications within each evaluating system.

There should be a head-classifier in charge of training and supervising other classifiers within the evaluating system to achieve and maintain a uniform level of classification. Additionally the exchange of information between head-classifiers from different systems/countries is recommended.

Individual full time professionals should complete classification. Classifiers should be independent of commercial interest in AI-bulls/studs.

Classifiers must record the trait as observed without adjustment e.g. Age, stage of lactation, sire or management system.

The working information provided for the classifier should make no reference to the pedigree or performance of the animal.

Classifiers should always rotate classification areas (herds and regions) to ensure a good data connection between regions and to minimise the sequential scoring of animals by the same classifier. This way of working reduces this risk of classifier times regional genetics interaction or classifier times herd interaction.

An advisory group can be installed with expertise in the field of conformation classification, statistics, breeding, training people, in order to monitor and advise on the improvement to the classification system.

All factors accounting for any non-genetic variance should be recorded when a herd is visited, e.g. classifier's identification, date/time of scoring, management group, housing system, flooring, nutritional status. This makes it possible to find possible interactions between the environmental factors and the trait scored.

Types of housing can be free stall, tie stall, mixture (stall plus outside).

Types of floors can be concrete, cement with groves, slats, sand, rubber, straw, pasture.

Training and monitoring of classifiers

The monitoring and performance evaluation of classifiers is an important part of the standardisation of the ICAR international type program.

Objectives

Improve accuracy of data collection, within country all classifiers should:

Apply the same trait definition
Apply the same mean.
Apply the same spread of scores.

Tools for objective 1:

National group training sessions.
Statistical monitoring of individual classifiers performance with reference to mean, spread and normal distribution of scores.
Compute the correlation between the scores of one classifier and the group by using bivariate analysis. This shows the quality of harmonisation of trait definition between classifiers.
Improve the genetic correlation for linear traits between countries (Interbull evaluation)
Apply the same trait definition in all countries.

Tools for objective 2:

International training of head classifiers.
International group training sessions.
Audit system.

If a country decides to change the definition of a trait, it is recommended not to use previous scores or use only as a correlated trait in the national genetic evaluation system.

National group training sessions

One way of improving harmonisation of scoring by classifiers is having regular training sessions with a group of classifiers.

There are many ways to accomplish trait harmonisation through training sessions. Normally a training session consists of scoring a group of animals and the scores of individual classifier are compared with the scores of the other classifiers and/or head classifier.

Attention points are:

Use a group of animals for training session which is representative for the population classifiers have to score during their herd visits.
Deviations of individual scores are discussed and it is made clear which is the correct score for a certain trait on an animal.
Scores of each classifier are analysed per trait using some analysis tools:
- Compute the mean and standard deviation of the deviations of the scores on animals per trait, per classifier. The deviation is the difference between the score and the average group score for a trait, for an animal. This gives insight in the scoring of individual classifier: always above or below the mean, more variation in scoring a trait than the group/head classifier. (with a test it can be shown if the differences found are significant).
- Compute the spread of the deviation of scores given by classifier per trait. This gives insight in how consistent a classifier is scoring a trait. (with a test it can be shown if the differences found are significant).
Instead of scoring a group of animals once, the animals can be scored twice by the classifiers, for example in the morning and in the afternoon. Based on these scores (approximately 20) the repeatability per classifier per trait can be computed.

Statistical monitoring of individual classifiers

The scores of a classifier from a certain period in time can be analysed. A period can be 12 or 6 months, for example.

From these scores the mean and standard deviation can be computed. The mean should be close to (maxscore-minscore)/2, and the standard deviation should be near (maxscore-minscore+1)/6, where minscore is the lowest score on the scale and maxscore is the highest score on the scale. For example: scoring a trait on a scale of 1-9, a mean is expected of 5 and a standard deviation of 1.5.

Another option is to compute the correlation between the scores of one classifier and the scores of rest of the group by using bivariate genetic analysis. This shows the quality of harmonisation of trait definition between classifiers (Veerkamp, R. F., C. L. M. Gerritsen, E. P. C. Koenen, A. Hamoen and G. de Jong. 2002. Evaluation of classifiers that score linear type traits and body condition score using common sires. JDS 85:976-983).

For this analysis, two data sets are created, one with scores of one classifier and the other with scores of all other classifiers from a certain period, for example 12 months. Both data sets can be analysed in a bivariate analysis, estimating different (genetic) parameters. The analysis can be carried out for each trait and for each classifier. From the bivariate analyses the following parameters can be derived:

Heritability: the heritability estimated within each classifier can be used as criteria for the repeatability of scores within classifiers, albeit the optimum value is not unity but depends on the true heritability of each trait.
Genetic correlation: the genetic correlation between two data sets can be used as a measure of the repeatability between classifiers, where a genetic correlation of one between classifiers is expected.
Genetic standard deviation.
Phenotypic standard deviation (= square root of genetic variance and error variance).

For the evaluation of each trait for each classifier the diagram in Figure 1 can be used.

Evaluation obviously starts with the mean score for each classifier, i.e., the mean should be close to the trait standard (5 for linear traits and 80 for descriptive traits). Secondly, the genetic standard deviation should not be lower than the average.

Figure 1. Scheme for evaluation trait by classifier using genetic parameters.

If the genetic standard deviation is lower, this could be due to the scale used (measured by the phenotypic standard deviation), due to poor within classifier repeatability (a low heritability) or both. If the low genetic standard deviation goes together with a low phenotypic spread, the advice is the classifier should use the scale in a better way, use more the extreme scores. If the genetic spread goes together with a low heritability, then the classifier should score the trait more consistently, apply the same definition.

If the genetic correlation is too low the classifier is likely to score a trait different than other classifiers.

All the parameters from the system can be tested using the standard error on the parameters estimated. Every classifier can be tested against the average of the parameters of all classifiers for a certain trait. A classifier with a few scores may deviate a bit more from the average of the group, therefore taking the standard error into account in a statistical test is more fair.

Auditing a classification system

The Classification system applied can be further improved by using an audit system where experts familiar with the conformation classification in other countries or organisations, examine the situation in your organisation or country.

An important issue is that information is exchanged between people responsible for the classification system.

Different options to audit are:

By using international workshops, in which information can be informally exchanged regarding how classifiers are trained and conduct their daily work
By inviting classifiers and/or a head classifier from another country or organisation to participate in or lead group training sessions
By having a group of experts visit an organisation responsible for classification, conduct a survey on methods and procedures, report their findings and makes suggestions for improvements.

Recommendation on scoring conformation defects in cattle

Introduction

In many conformation systems for cattle defects are scored when scoring animals for linear traits and general characteristics. Most of the time defects are used to determine the score for general characteristics.

This chapter describes characteristics of defects for dairy, dual purpose and beef cattle and contains a list of proposed defects which could be used. They are considered to be important for one of the breed types (dairy, dual purpose and/or beef) and could be considered by countries or organizations, that do not score them up to now. If a country or organization has already a list of defects, they could consider to reduce the list according to the ICAR list.

Description of defect

Defects are not there to describe the whole variation in the population, but only a problematic trait (e.g. side leak) or a trait with a high enough frequency in the population.

The number of defects scored should be kept as low as possible as more defects means also more labor.

The easiest way to score conformation defects in a digital system is when a cow is scored for a group of the linear traits (frame, dairy strength, mammary system, legs/feet), the classifier is requested by the system if there are any defects within this particular group.

A conformation defect could be scored when it has the following characteristics:

Heritable.
Not rare.
iI problematic for functionality.
Is clearly described and visible.
Should be scored as 0/1/2 (as soon as there is more variation and the frequency in population is considerable, one could/should consider to score this trait as a linear trait (scale 1-9).
Is used to come up with a score for a general characteristic.

Defects have no value to be scored when it is not used in determining general characteristics or when it is not used in a genetic evaluation.

The advantages of scoring defects are:

Get overview what the status of a specific defect is in the population.
Could be used for determining the score for general characteristics.
Could be used to present figures per bull.

Disadvantage of scoring defects:

Difficult to harmonize classifiers as definitions are not always clear and for training sessions it is very hard to find a group of cows representing all defects.

Defects can be scored with 0 (not present), 1 (slightly present) or 2 (pronounced defect). More practical is that classifier score defects only when they are present, 1 (slightly present) or 2 (pronounced defect).

Approved standard

The list with approved conformation defects is chosen such that they satisfy the characteristics mentioned in 9.2.

Per defect a definition is given in Table 2 and it is indicated in which type of breed the defect can have added value.

*Table 2. Llist of approved conformation defects.*
Defect	Definition	Used in type of breed
Defect	Definition	Dairy	Dual purpose	Beef
Open shoulder	A significant gap between the tip of the shoulder and the side of the body		X
Weak crops	The part of the animal behind the shoulder (just below the chine) is a lot narrower than the shoulder	X	X
High tail	Evaluated by considering the tailhead in relation to the pins viewed from the rear. It could be considered as a defect when tailhead is at least 9 cm over the pins.	X	X	X
Advanced anus	Anus is ahead of pin bone. Tendency for the anus and vagina to be pulled forward.	X
Toes out front	Animal walks with a slight amount of toeing out. Maybe due to a twisting knee or to a lack of heart.	X	X
Crampy	Unnatural or irregular contraction of muscles of the rear legs.	X
Thurls too far back	Ratio of distance of thurl position to rump bone and thurl position to pin bone ratio is larger than 4:1 (80%-20%)	X
Blind quarter	Quarter never given milk.	X
Webbed teats	An extra teat is attached to functional teat.	X
Side leak	Little functional hole on the side of the teat.	X	X
Extra functional teats	Extra teats which produce milk.	X

Relationship between conformation and functional traits for dairy and dual purpose cattle

General considerations on the use of conformation data for longevity source

Conformation appraisal of cattle was introduced with the goal of comparing animals with breed standards (true type model). An additional goal of conformation recording was to be a simple predictor of production potential and longevity.

Since these times, many new traits have been recorded and evaluated for dairy and dual-purpose cattle regarding health and longevity. These traits have been supplemental to conformation recording and have even replaced them for certain purposes.

However, conformation recording is still an efficient way to assess many cows during a relatively short period of time and requires less commitment and time from the dairy producer to collect the data.

The usefulness of this data for the prediction of health and longevity should be considered in the setting up of a conformation recording system.

In Appendix 5, the relationship between some of the ICAR standard conformation linear traits for dairy and dual-purpose cattle and health and longevity is described in detail. This information can be used to show farmers how the conformation scores can help him to breed a kind of cow which is able to perform the best in the herd.

Guidelines on usage of data from AMS systems to derive udder conformation traits

Introduction

To collect information on quality of conformation of udders, the udders of dairy cows are scored by professional classifiers. In the ICAR guidelines several linear udder conformation traits are defined for Dairy Cattle (Appendix 1) and Dual Purpose Cattle (Appendix 2).

High genetic correlations have been reported in literature between linear scored traits and the same traits based on data from automatic milking systems (AMS) (Byskov et al., 2012; Poppe et al, 2019). The advantage of using data from AMS is that information is collected continuously during the whole lactation and also over lactations. In a regular classification system a cow is scored only once during her life, at one moment in the first lactation. Further the collection of data via an AMS system is cost effective.

Description of AMS data about udder traits

In AMS information is stored about the positions of teats to be able to attach the milk cups in a short time. The storage or information of the teat positions can be different across manufacturers, but at the end the positions of all four teats are determined by an AMS and are stored.

Based on teat positions, five different udder traits can be derived. Each milking record contained Cartesian coordinates (x, y, z) of each of the 4 teats, indicating the 3-dimensional location of the teat tips. The z-coordinate is a measure of the distance from the teat tip to the floor, the y-coordinate is a measure of the position of the teat on the axis parallel to the long side of the robot, and the x-coordinate is a measure of the position of the teat on the axis perpendicular to the long side of the robot. The Cartesian teat coordinates in the AMS data set can be used to calculate the udder conformation traits: rear teat distance (RTD), front teat distance (FTD), udder depth (UD), distance between front and rear teats (DRF) and udder balance (UB, the difference in depth between front and rear udder). A specification of the udder conformation traits and equations for calculation are given in Table 3.

The trait rear teat distance is similar to rear teat placement, and front teat distance is similar to the trait front teat placement. Rear teat placement, front teat placement and udder depth are currently in the ICAR list of conformation traits for dairy and dual purpose cattle.

Table 3. Calculation of udder conformation traits based on teat positions measured by AMS.

Udder trait	Description	Calculation¹
UD	Average distance of teat ends to the floor in mm	(Z_lf + Z_rf + Z_lr + Z_rr)/4
FTD	Distance between left and right front teat ends in mm	X_lf - X_rf
RTD	Distance between left and right rear teat ends in mm	X_lr - X_rr
UB	Average difference in distance to the floor between the front and rear teat ends in mm	(Z_lr + Z_rr)/2 - (Z_lf + Z_rf)/2
DRF	Average distance between the front and rear teat ends in mm	(Y_lf + Y_rr)/2 - (Y_lf + Y_rf)/2

¹Z = Z-coordinate, Y = Y-coordinate, X = X-coordinate, lf = left front, rf = right front, lr = left rear, rr = right rear.

Edits screening AMS data

When AMS data is used for analysis, checks need to be applied. Recommended edits are:

Milking is not a failure or not refused;
Milk yield is larger than 0 kg;
Teat positions are known;
Measures of z-coordinates (distance teat - floor) larger than 0 mm;
Distances between left front and rear or right front and rear larger than 0 mm;
Distance between left and right rear teats larger than -30 mm (A negative distance is possible in case of crossing teats. The distance depends on the order of attaching the cups, if for example the left teat is stored as left teat or as right teat.);
Distance between left and right front teats larger than 0 mm;
Observation deviates less than 4 standard deviations from the expected observation of an animal;
At least 5 hours interval with previous milking;
Measurements are available on all four teats. So, data of cows with less than four milking quarters has to be removed.

Fields required using information form AMS:

Animal ID.
Herd ID.
Date and time of miking.
x, y, z coordinates.
Milk yield.
Information on success of milking.

Analysis of data in genetic evaluation

From the AMS, information of every separate milking more than 700 measurements are made available during a lactation. To analyze the data in genetic evaluations several options are possible:

Usage of all measurements.
Usage of every x^th measurement.
Usage of average of n-measurements (e.g. 10) or of a certain period (e.g. week).

Considerations

Determined teat positions are actually the position of teat ends. In case trait udder depth is derived from teat positions, one also should or could consider teat length to get a more exact measure of udder depth. This correction only is possible in case the AMS system is also determining teat length.
Further it should be noticed that stature of the cow affects the distance from floor to udder (z coordinate). It also should be noticed that scoring udder depth by classifiers, udder depth is scored in relation to the hock (as reference point). This also results in the situation that udder depth scored by classifiers is also affected by stature.
When using udder depth data from AMS for genetic evaluation one always should check the genetic correlation between udder depth scored by classifiers and udder depth based on AMS data. A way to improve the genetic correlation is to add the breeding value for stature and teat length as extra effects to the model for udder depth based on AMS data.
In the future, data from AMS might also become available from udder traits like teat length, teat direction or teat thickness.

References

↑ Byskov, K., L. H. Buch, and G. P. Aamand. 2012. Possibilities of implementing measures from automatic milking systems in routine evaluations of udder conformation and milking speed. Interbull Bull. 46:28–32.
↑ Poppe, M., H.A. Mulder, B.J. Ducro, and G. de Jong, 2019. Genetic analysis of udder conformation traits derived from automatic milking system recording in dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 102:1386–1396.

Recommendation on scoring conformation defects in dairy goats

Introduction

In many conformation systems for dairy goat defects are scored when scoring animals for linear traits and general characteristics. Defects are not there to describe the whole variation in the population, but only if a problematic trait (e.g. side leak) can be detected. The number of defects scored should be kept as low as possible. This chapter describes characteristics of some known defects for dairy goats. They are considered to be important for dairy goats and could be used by countries or organizations that do not yet score them. If a country or organization already has a list of defects, they could consider aligning their list with the ICAR list.

Description of defect

The easiest way to score conformation defects digitally, is when a goat is scored for a group of linear traits (frame, legs/feet, udder); the classifier is requested by the system if there are any specific defects within this particular group.

The advantages of scoring defects are:

Get overview what the status of a specific defect is in the population
Could be used for determining the score for general characteristics
Could be used to present figures per sire

Disadvantage of scoring defects:

Difficult to harmonize classifiers as definitions are not always clear and for training sessions it is very hard to find a group of goats representing all defects.

Defects can be scored with 0 (not present), 1 (slightly present) or 2 (pronounced defect). More practical is that classifier score defects only when they are present, 1 (slightly present) or 2 (pronounced defect).

Approved standard defects

The list with approved conformation defects is shown in Table 4 below.

Table 4: Approved standard defects in dairy goats
Defect	Definition
Loose shoulder	Weakening of the muscles between the chest and the front limbs, which can cause problems when standing up
Jaw: undershot and overshot	Underdevelopment of the lower or upper jaw
Supernumerary teats	More than two teats (which sometimes produce milk)
Double teats	Teat splits in two teats
Unbalanced udder	Udder halves are expressed to varying degrees
Udder warts	Non-milk-producing protrusions on the udder
Weeping teats/udder	Milk can filter through pores in the skin to the udder surface
Splayed claws	Enlarged gap between the claws

Appendix 1: The standard trait definition for dairy cattle

Approved standard traits

1. Stature
2. Chest Width
3. Body Depth
4. Rib Structure
5. Rump Angle
6. Rump Width
7. Rear Legs Set
8. Legs Rear View
9. Foot Angle
10. Front Feet Orientation
11. Locomotion
12. Fore Udder Attachment
13. Rear Udder Height
14. Central Ligament
15. Udder Depth
16. Front Teat Placement
17. Teat Length
18. Rear Teat Placement
19. Udder balance
20. Body condition score

Common standard traits

21. Hock development
22. Bone structure
23. Rear udder width
24. Teat thickness
25. Muscularity
26. Loin strength

Standard trait definition

The precise description of each trait is well defined and it is essential that the full range of linear scores to identify the intermediate and extremes of each trait be used. The assessment parameters for the calculations should be based on the expected biological extremes of a cow in the first lactation. The scale must cover the biological extremes of the current population.

Recommended Scale 1 - 9

Note: The linear scale used, must cover the expected biological extremes of the population in the country of assessment.

1. Stature

Reference point: Measured from the top of the spine in between hips to ground. Precise measurement in centimetres or inches, or linear scale.

1 - Short

5 - Intermediate

9 - Tall

Session 5. Appendix 1. Figure 1: Stature — **Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 1: Stature**

2. Chest width

Reference point: Measured from the inside surface between the top of the front legs.

1 - Narrow

5 - Intermediate

9 - Wide

3. Body depth

Reference point: Distance between top of spine and bottom of barrel at last rib - the deepest point: independent of stature.

1 - Shallow

5 - Intermediate

9 . Deep

.4 Rib Structure

Reference point: The spring and angle of the ribs (60/40). Not a true linear trait.

1 - Little spring of ribs, ribs are facing down

5 - Intermediate

9 - Much spring of ribs and ribs are pointing rearward

Reference scale: weighing of the two components; angle and spring of the ribs. The best way to score spring, the arch of the ribs, is looking at the cow from behind. Direction of the ribs is scored looking at the cow from the side. Openness is not part of the definition.

Do the measurement on the left side of the body.

Rear view:

Side view:

5. Rump Angle

Reference point: Measured as the angle of the rump structure from hooks (hips) to pins.

1 - High pins

5 - Intermediate

9 - Extreme slope

Depending on the population rump angle can be scored level with a score in the range of 3-5.

6. Rump width

Reference point: The distance between the most posterior point of pin bones.

1 - Narrow

5 - Intermediate

9 - Wide

7. Rear legs rear view

Reference point: Direction of rear feet when viewed from the rear.

1 - Extreme toe-out

5 - Intermediate; slight toe-out

9 - Parallel feet

8. Rear legs set

Reference point: Angle measured at the front of the hock.

1 - Straight

5 - Intermediate

9 - Sickled

If the rear legs set is different, the most extreme one should be scored.

9. Foot angle

Reference point: Angle at the front of the rear hoof measured from the floor to the hairline at the right hoof.

1 - Very low angle

5 - Intermediate

9 - Very steep

If the foot angle is different, the most extreme one should be scored.

If the foot angle is difficult to score because of hoof trimming, bedding, manure etc. It is also possible to look at the angle of hairline.

10. Font Feet Orientation

Reference point: The orientation of the front feet, scored from behind the cow.

1 – toes extremely out

5 – intermediate

9 – toes parallel

11. Locomotion

Reference point: The use of legs and feet, length and direction of the step.

1 - Severe Abduction - Short Stride

5 - Slight Abduction - Medium Stride

9 - No Abduction - Long stride

Score only if the cow can walk (cow has no lameness).

12. Fore udder attachment

Reference point: The strength of attachment of the fore udder to the abdominal wall.

Not a true linear trait.

1 - Weak and loose

5 - Intermediate

9 - Extremely strong and tight

13. Front teat placement

Reference point: The position of the front teat from the centre of quarter as viewed from the rear.

1 - Outside of quarter

5 - Intermediate

9 - Inside of quarter

14. Teat length

Reference point: The length of the front teat.

1 - Short

5 - Intermediate

9 - Long

Instead of scoring front teat, the rear teat can be scored. The choice of front teat or rear teat should be consistent in the whole system.

15. Udder depth

Reference point: The distance from the lowest part of the udder floor to the hock.

1 - Deep

5 - Intermediate

9 - Shallow

Potential point of reference is the level with the hock.

16. Rear udder height

Reference point: The distance between the bottom of the vulva and the milk secreting tissue: in relation to the height of the animal.

1 - Low

5 - Intermediate

9 - High

17. Central ligament

Reference point: The depth of cleft at the base of the rear udder.

1 - Convex to flat floor (flat), broken ligament

5 - Intermediate

9 - Deep cleft/strong ligament

18. Rear teat placement

Reference point: The position of the rear teat from the centre of quarter:

1 - Outside of quarter

5 - Intermediate

9 - Inside of quarter

21. Udder balance

Reference point: Levelness of udder floor.

The trait is assessed from the side where the deepest point of the rear udder floor is compared to the deepest point of the front udder floor.

In case there is a difference between both sides, score the most natural side.

1 – Rear deeper

5 – Intermediate

9 – Front deeper

20. Body condition score

Reference point: The covering of fat over the tail head & rump. Not a true linear trait.

1 - Poor

5 - Intermediate

9 - Grossly fat

With a score from 1-6 there mainly has to be looked at the loin, while the tail implant is important with the higher score (7-9).

21. Hock development

Reference point: Cleanness and dryness of the hock.

1 - Hock with a lot of fluid

5 - Intermediate

9 - Complete clean and dry

22. Bone structure

Reference point: The thickness and width of the bone structure, assessed by both examining the rear leg from the rear and from the side.

1 - Broad and thick

5 - Intermediate

9 - Flat

**Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 22: Bone structure**

23. Rear udder width

Reference point: Width of the udder at the point where the milk secretion tissue is attached to the body.

1 - Narrow

5 - Intermediate

9 - Wide

24. Teat thickness

Reference point: Thickness of the teat in the middle of the front teat.

1 - Thin

5 - Intermediate

9 - Thick

25. Muscularity

Reference point: The amount of muscles as seen in the loins and thighs. Not a linear trait.

1 - Poor

5 - Intermediate

9 - Grossly muscular

**Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 25: Muscolarity**

26. Loin strength

Ref. Point: Strength of the loin

1 – Weak

5 – Intermediate

9 - Strong

Appendix 2: The standard trait definition for dual purpose cattle

Approved Standard Traits

1. Stature
2. Chest Width
3. Body Depth
4. Rump Angle
5. Rump Width
6. Rump Length
7. Muscularity
8. Rear Legs Set
9. Hock Development
10. Foot Angle
11. Locomotion
12. Fore Udder Attachment
13. Rear Udder Height
14. Central Ligament
15. Udder Depth
16. Fore Udder Length
17. Front Teat Placement
18. Teat Length
19. Teat Thickness
20. Rear Teat Placement
21. Teat Direction

Standard trait definition

The precise description of each trait is well defined and it is essential that the full range of linear scores to identify the intermediate and extremes of each trait be used. The assessment parameters for the calculations should be based on the expected biological extremes of a cow in the first lactation. The scale must cover the biological extremes of the current population.

Recommended Scale 1 - 9

Note: The linear scale used, must cover the expected biological extremes of the population in the country of assessment.

1. Stature

Reference point: Measured from the top of the spine in between hips to ground. Precise measurement in centimetres or inches, or linear scale.

1 - Short

5 - Intermediate

9 - Tall

**Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 1: Stature**

2. Chest width

Reference point: Measured from the inside surface between the top of the front legs.

1 - Narrow

5 - Intermediate

9 - Wide

**Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 2: Chest width**

3. Body depth

Reference point: Distance between top of spine and bottom of barrel at last rib - the deepest point: independent of stature.

1 - Shallow

5 - Intermediate

9 - Deep

**Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 3: Body depth**

4. Rump angle

Reference point: Measured as the angle of the rump structure from hooks (hips) to pins.

1 - High Pins

5 - Intermediate

9 - Extreme slope

Depending on the population rump angle can be scored level with a score in the range of 3-5.

**Section 5. Appendix. Figure 4: Rump angle**

5. Rump width

Reference point: The distance between the most posterior point of pin bones.

1 - Narrow

5 - Intermediate

9 - Wide

**Section5. Appendix 2. Figure 5: Rump width**

6. Rump length

Reference point: The distance between beginning (front) of the hip bone and the end (rear) of the pin bone.

1 - Short

5 - Intermediate

9 - Long

**Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 6- Rump length**

7. Muscularity

Reference point: The amount of muscles as seen in the loins and thighs. Not a linear trait.

1 - Poor

5 - Intermediate

9 - Grossly muscular

**Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 7: Muscolarity**

8. Rear legs set

Reference point: Angle measured at the front of the hock.

1 - Straight

5 - Intermediate

9 - SickledIf the rear legs set is different, the most extreme one should be scored.

**Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 8: Rear leg set**

9. Hock development

Reference point: Cleanness and dryness of the hock.

1 - Hock with a lot of fluid

5 - Intermediate

9 - Complete clean and dry

10. Foot angle

Reference point: Angle at the front of the rear hoof measured from the floor to the hairline at the right hoof.

1 - Very low angle

5 - Intermediate

9 - Very steep

If the foot angle is different, the most extreme one should be scored. If the foot angle is difficult to score because of hoof trimming, bedding, manure etc. It is also possible to look at the angle of hairline.

**Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 10: Foot angle**

11. Locomotion

Reference point: The use of legs and feet, length and direction of the step.

1 - Severe abduction - Short stride

5 - Slight abduction - Medium stride

9 - No abduction - Long stride

Score only if the cow can walk (cow has no lameness).

**Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 11: Locomotoion**

12. Fore udder attachment

Reference point: The strength of attachment of the fore udder to the abdominal wall. Not a true linear trait.

1 - Weak and loose

5 - Intermediate

9 - Extremely strong and tight

**Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 12: Rear udder attachment**

13. Rear udder height

Reference point: The distance between the bottom of the vulva and the milk secreting tissue: in relation to the height of the animal.

1 - Low

5 - Intermediate

9 - High

**Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 13: Rear udder height**

14. Central ligament

Reference point: The depth of cleft at the base of the rear udder.

1 - Convex to flat floor (flat), broken ligament

5 - Intermediate

9 - Deep cleft/strong ligament

**Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 14: Central ligament**

15. Udder depth

Reference point: The distance from the lowest part of the udder floor to the hock.

1 - Deep

5 - Intermediate

9 - Shallow

Potential point of reference is the level with the hock.

**Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 15: Udder depth**

16. Fore udder length

Reference point: The distance between attachment point. of udder to abdominal wall to the midpoint between front and rear teat.

1 - Short

5 - Intermediate

9 - Long

**Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 16: Fore udder length**

17. Front teat placement

Reference point: The position of the front teat from the centre of quarter as viewed from the rear.

1 - Outside of quarter

5 - Intermediate

9 - Inside of quarter

**Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 17: Front teat placemnet**

18. Teat length

Reference point: The length of the front teat.

1 - Short

5 - Intermediate

9 - Long

Instead of scoring front teat, the rear teat can be scored. The choice of front teat or rear teat should be consistent in the whole system.

Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 18: Teat length

19. Teat thickness

Reference point: Thickness of the teat in the middle of the front teat.

1 - Thin

5 - Intermediate

9 - Thick

**Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 19: Teat thickness**

20. Rear teat placement

Reference point: The position of the rear teat from the centre of quarter.

1 - Outside of quarter

5 - Intermediate

9 - Inside of quarter

**Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 20: Rear teat placement**

21. Teat direction

Reference point: The direction of the rear teats viewed from behind.

1 - Outside

5 - Intermediate

9 - Inside

**Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 21: Teat direction**

Appendix 3: The standard trait definition for beef breeds

Approved standard traits

Frame traits

1. Body Length
2. Back Length
3. Chest Width
4. Thurl Width
5. Body Depth
6. Chest Depth
7. Flank Depth
8. Length of Rump
9. Height at Withers
10. Height at rump
11. Rounding of ribs
12. Rump Angle
13. Tail Set
14. Width at Hips
15. Width at Pins

Muscularity traits

16. Muscularity Shoulder top view
17. Muscularity Shoulder side view
18. Back Width
19. Thickness of Loin
20. Thigh Rounding side view
21. Thigh Width rear view
22. Thigh Length
23. Body Condition Score

Type traits

24. Muzzle Width
25. Top Line
26. Skin Thickness

Leg traits

27. Front Legs front view
28. Fore Pasterns side view
29. Rear Legs rear view
30. Rear Legs side view
31. Hind Pasterns side view
32. Claw Angle
33. Thickness of Bone

Udder traits

34. Thickness of Teat
35. Teat Length
36. Udder Balance
37. Udder Depth

Standard trait definition

The precise description of each trait is well defined and it is essential that the full range of linear scores to identify the intermediate and extremes of each trait be used. The assessment parameters for the calculations should be based on the expected biological extremes of the same category animals in terms of sex and age scored. The scale must cover the biological extremes of the current population or category. The extremes and the intermediates are ordered according to the degree of expression of the trait. For example thin and thick, long and short etc. A high or a low score has no particular meaning and it is not necessarily desirable or undesirable.

Recommended Scale 1 - 9

Note: The linear scale used, must cover the expected biological extremes of the population in the country of assessment.

1. Body length

Reference point: Length from shoulder to pins.

1 - Short

5 - Intermediate

9 - Long

**Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 1: Body length**

2. Back length

Reference point: Length from shoulder to hips.

1 - Short

5 - Intermediate

9 - Long

**Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 2: Back length**

3. Chest width

Reference point: Measured from the inside surface between the top of the front legs.

1 - Narrow

5 - Intermediate

9 - Wide

**Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 3: Chest width**

4. Thurl width

Reference point: Distance between thurls.

1 - Narrow

5 - Intermediate

9 - Wide

**Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 4: Thurl width**

5. Body depth

Reference point: Distance between top of back and bottom of barrel at the deepest point: independent of stature.

1 - Shallow

5 - Intermediate

9 - Deep

**Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 5: Body depth**

6. Chest depth

Reference point: Distance between top of back just behind shoulder and bottom of barrel behind the front leg.

1 - Shallow

5 - Intermediate

9 - Deep

**Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 6: Chest depth**

7. Flank depth

Reference point: Distance between top of back just before hips and bottom of barrel just before the rear leg.

1 - Shallow

5 - Intermediate

9 - Deep

**Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 7: Flank depth**

8. Length of rump

Reference point: Distance from hips to pins

1 - Short

5 - Intermediate

9 - Long

Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 8: Length of ump

9. Height at withers

Reference point: Measured from the top of the back in between the shoulders to the ground.

1 - Short

5 - Intermediate

9 - Tall

**Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 9: Height at withers**

10. Height at rump

Reference point: Measured from the top of the back in between the hips to the ground.

1 - Short

5 - Intermediate

9 - Tall

**Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 10: Height at rump**

11. Rounding of ribs

Reference point: The curving of the ribs.

1 - Flat

5 - Intermediate

9 - Round

**Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 11: Roundings of ribs**

12. Rump angle

Reference point: Measured as the angle of the rump structure from hooks (hips) to pins.

1 - High pins

5 - Intermediate

9 - Extreme slope

**Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 12: Rump angle**

13. Tail set

Reference point: Insertion of the tail.

1 - Deep

5 - Intermediate

9 - Prominent

**Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 13: Tail set**

14. Width at hips

Reference point: Distance between the hips.

1 - Narrow

5 - Intermediate

9 - Wide

**Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 14: Width at hips**

15. Width at pins

Reference point: Distance between the pins.

1 - Narrow

5 - Intermediate

9 - Wide

**Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 15: Width at pins**

16. Muscularity shoulder top view

Reference point: Distance and muscularity between the tops of shoulders, top view.

1 - Narrow

5 - Intermediate

9 - Wide

**Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 16: Muscolarity shoulder top view**

17. Muscularity shoulder side view

Reference point: Thickness of the muscles of the shoulders.

1 - Thin

5 - Intermediate

9 - Thick

**Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 17: Muscolarity shoulder side view**

18. Back width

Reference point: Width of the back behind the shoulders.

1 - Narrow

5 - Intermediate

9 - Wide

**Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 18: Back width**

19. Thickness of loin

Reference point: Thickness of the loins just before the hips and after the last rib, side view on the right.

1 - Thin

5 - Intermediate

9 - Thick

20. Thigh rounding side view

Reference point: Curving of the tight behind the vertical line between pins and hock, side view.

1 - Flat

5 - Intermediate

9 - Round

**Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 20: Thigh rounding side view**

21. Thigh width rear view

Reference point: Width of the thighs, rear view, halfway. Represents the outside curving of the tights.

1 - Narrow

5 - Intermediate

9 - Wide

**Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 21: Thigh width rear view**

22. Thigh length

Reference point: Length of the thigh between pins and thigh attachment to the leg.

1 - Short

5 - Intermediate

9 - Long

**Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 22: Thigh length**

23. Body condition score

Reference point: The covering of fat over the tail head and rump. Not a true linear trait.

1 - Poor

5 - Intermediate

9 - Grossly fat

**Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 23: Body condition score**

24. Muzzle width

Reference point: Width of the muzzle.

1 - Narrow

5 - Intermediate

9 - Wide

**Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 24: Muzzle width**

25. Top line

Reference point: Curving of the back between shoulders and hips.

1 - Weak (concave)

5 - Intermediate

9 - Strong (convex)

**Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 25: Top line**

26. Skin thickness

Reference point: Thickness of skin.

1 - Thin

5 - Intermediate

9 - Thick

**Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 26: Skin thickness**

27. Front legs front view

Reference point: Direction of the feet of the forelegs viewed from the front.

1 - Toes in

5 - Intermediate

9 - Toes out

**Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 27: Front legs front view**

28. Fore pasterns side view

Reference point: Angle of the pasterns of fore legs with the floor.

1 - Low

5 - Intermediate

9 - Steep

**Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 28: Fore pasterns side view**

29. Rear legs rear view

Reference point: Direction of the feet of the rear legs, viewed from the rear.

1 - Toes in

5 - Intermediate

9 - Toes out

**Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 29: Rear legs rear view**

30. Rear legs side view

Reference point: Angle measured at the front of the hock.

1 - Straight

5 - Intermediate

9 - Sickled

**Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 30: Rear legs side view**

31. Hind pasterns side view

Reference point: Angle of the pasterns of the rear legs with the floor

1 - Low

5 - Intermediate

9 - Steep

**Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 31: Hind pasterns side view**

32. Claw angle

Reference point: Angle at the front of the rear hoof measured from the floor to the hairline.

1 - Low

5 - Intermediate

9 - Steep

**Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 32: Claw angle**

33. Thickness of bone

Reference point: Thickness of the canon bone the forelegs.

1 - Thin

5 - Intermediate

9 - Thick

**Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 33: Thickness of bone**

34. Thickness of teat

Reference point: Thickness of the teat in the middle of the front teat.

1 - Thin

5 - Intermediate

9 - Thick

**Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 34: Thickness of teat**

35. Teat length

Reference point: The length of the front teat.

1 - Short

5 - Intermediate

9 - Long

**Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 35: Teat length**

36. Udder balance

Reference point: The balance of the udder floor between front and rear udder.

1 - Front quarter higher than rear quarter

5 - Intermediate

9 - Front quarter lower than rear quarter

**Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 36: Udder balance**

37. Udder depth

Reference point: The distance from the top of the udder to the lowest part of the udder floor, side view.

1 - Deep

5 - Intermediate

9 - Shallow

Appendix 4: Conformation recoding of Dairy Goats

The ICAR multi dairy goat breed conformation recording recommendation describes a set of conformation traits which are currently used in several countries in several breeds. The traits are defined in such a way that they are not breed specific.

This document contains a list of standard traits, which is a list of traits which could be scored by all organisations in the same way to improve further harmonisation on international level. Conformation traits are important as auxiliary traits. Linear type scoring can also help to improve machine milkability in goats.

Trait definitions

Linear Type Traits

Linear type traits are the basis of all modern type classification systems, and are the foundation of all systems for describing the dairy goat. Linear classification is based on measurements of individual type traits instead of opinions. It describes the degree of a trait, not its desirability.

Advantages of linear scoring are:

Traits are scored individually
Scores cover a biological range
Variation within traits is identifiable
Degree rather than desirability is recorded

Standard Traits

The standard traits satisfy the following conditions:

Linear in a biological sense
Single Trait
Heritable
Economic value; Direct or indirect with reference to the breeding goal
Possible to measure instead of score
Variation within the population
Each linear trait should describe a unique part of the goat which is not covered by a combination of the other linear traits

Approved Standard Traits

Frame traits

1. Stature
2. Chest Circumference
3. Body Depth
4. Rump Angle
5. Loin Strength
6. Rib structure, rear view and side view

Leg traits

7. Rear Legs Set rear view
8. Rear Legs Set side view
9. Front Pasterns side view
10 Hind Pasterns side view
11. Feet Orientation

Udder traits

12. Fore Udder Attachment
13. Central Ligament
14. Rear Udder Width
15. Udder Depth
16. Teat Placement rear view
17. Teat Orientation rear view
18. Teat Placement side view
19. Teat Orientation side view
20. Teat Length
21. Teat Form

Standard Trait Definition

The precise description of each trait is well defined and it is essential that the full range of linear scores to identify the intermediate and extremes of each trait be used. The assessment parameters for the calculations should be based on the expected biological extremes of the same category animals in terms of sex and age scored. The scale must cover the biological extremes of the current population or category. The extremes and the intermediates are ordered according to the degree of expression of the trait. For example thin and thick, long and short etc. A high or a low score has no particular meaning and it is not necessarily desirable or undesirable.

Recommended Scale 1 - 9

Note: The linear scale used, must cover the expected biological extremes of the population in the country of assessment.

1. Stature

Reference point: Measured from the top of the spine in between the shoulders to ground. Precise measurement in centimeters or inches, or linear scale.

1 - Short

5 - Intermediate

9 - Tall

**Section 5. Appendix 4. Figure 1: Stature**

2. Chest Circumference

Ref. point: Circumference measured behind the shoulder blades. Precise measurement in centimetres or inches, or linear scale.

1 Narrow and shallow

5 Intermediate

9 Wide and deep

3. Body Depth

Ref. point: Distance between top of spine and bottom of barrel at last rib – the deepest point.

1 Shallow

5 Intermediate

9 Deep

4. Rump Angle

Ref. point: Measured as the angle of the rump structure from hooks (hips) to pins.

1 Less slope

5 Intermediate slope

9 Extreme slope

5. Loin Strength

Ref. point: Strength of vertebrae between back and rump.

1 Weak

5 Intermediate

9 Strong

6. Rib Structure

Ref. point: The spring of the ribs.

Rib structure, rear view

1 Small angle

5 Intermediate angle

9 Large angle

Rib structure, side view

1 Small angle

5 Intermediate angle

9 Large angle

7. Rear Legs Set, rear view

Ref. point: Distance between the hocks.

1 Small distance (x-legs)

5 Straight legs

9 Large distance (o-legs)

8. Rear Legs Set, side view

Ref. point: Angle measured at the front of the hock.

1 Straight

5 Intermediate

9 Sickled

9. Front Pasterns, side view

Ref. point: Angle of the pasterns of the front legs with the floor.

1 Low

5 Intermediate

9 Steep

10. Hind Pasterns side view

Ref. point: Angle of the pasterns of the rear legs with the floor.

1 Low

5 Intermediate

9 Steep

11. Feet orientation

Ref. point: Orientation of the rear feet (claws), recorded when the goat is walking.

1 Wide open

5 Open

9 Parallel

12. Fore Udder Attachment

Ref. point: The strength of attachment of the fore udder to the abdominal wall. Not a true linear trait.

1 Weak and loose

5 Intermediate

9 Extremely strong and tight

13. Central Ligament

Ref. point: The depth of cleft at the base of the rear udder.

1 Broken ligament

5 Intermediate

9 Deep cleft/strong ligament

14. Rear udder width

Ref. Point: Width of the udder at the point where the milk secretion tissue is attached to the body.

1 Narrow

5 Intermediate

9 Wide

15. Udder Depth

Ref. point: The distance from the lowest part of the udder floor to the hock.

1 Deep

5 Intermediate

9 Shallow

Potential point of reference is the level with the hock

16. Teat Placement rear view

Ref. point: The direction of the teats in relation to the udder viewed from rear.

1 Outside

5 Intermediate

9 Inside

17. Teat Orientation rear view

Ref. point: The direction of the teats in relation to the udder viewed from rear.

1 Markedly outward

5 Upright

9 Markedly inward

18. Teat Placement side view

Ref. point: The position of teat in udder viewed from the side.

1 In front

5 Intermediate

9 At the bottom

19. Teat Orientation side view

Ref. point: The direction of the teats in relation to the udder viewed from the side.

1 Forward

5 Downward

9 Backward

20. Teat Length

Ref. point: The length of the teat. Precise measurement in centimetres or inches, or linear scale.

1 Short

5 Intermediate

9 Long

21. Teat Form

Ref. point: The shape of the teat, from triangle to finger form, viewed from rear or from side.

1 Triangle/wide

5 Intermediate

9 Finger/narrow

3.1.4 Composite traits and general characteristics

3.1.4.1 Composite Traits

Composite traits are groups of linear traits relating to one specific area.
The main composite traits are – Frame, Udder, Feet/Legs and Final Score.

3.1.4.2 General Characteristics

Type classification programmes also include phenotype assessment. These are described as general characteristics or combined traits, which are not linear in a biological sense. A subjective score is given for the desirability of the animal according to the breeding goal.
Animals are inspected, classified and assigned grades/scores ranging from 1-9 points.
The most common scale is reported in table 5, below reported.
The awarding of classification grades varies in each country depending upon the breeding goals, and therefore classification scores must be considered in the context of a breed in the country of inspection.
The final class and score are derived from a breakdown of the main functional areas of the animal, groupped for Frame, Udder or Legs/Feet
For the quality of data, it is important to score the traits for categories of similar age or sex. It is recommended to score goats in the 1^st (standard) lactation and bucks within the 1^st year, starting at 5 months of age.
The weighting of the component breakdown scores should meet the breeding goals in the breed and country of inspection. It is recommended that for animals the range of scores used is 1 – 9 points. The average score is always in the middle of the maximum score and the minimum score the group (for example population within a country) can be awarded. In the case of the range 1-9, the population average should be close to 5.

Table 5. The most common scale for inspected, classified and assigned grades/scores in animal classification ranging from 1-9 points

Excellent .	9 points
Very Good	7 - 8 "
Good Plus	4 - 6 "
Good	2 - 3 "
Fair/Poor/Insufficient	1 point

The Sub-Working-Group on Goat Conformation Traits would like to express its sincere thanks to Patricia Besseling for the excellent drawings.

Appendix 5: Relationship between conformation and functional traits for dairy and dual purpose cattle

Introduction

In this appendix, the relationship between some of the ICAR standard conformation linear traits for dairy and dual-purpose cattle and health and longevity is described in detail. This information can be used to show farmers how the conformation scores can help him to breed a kind of cow which is able to perform the best in the herd.

Results are presented as a deviation in percentage of the phenotypic standard deviation of 6 functional traits:

Lifetime production: milk production during the whole productive life
Survival: binary trait for reaching the 4th calving
Somatic cell count: geometric mean of 1st lactation SCC
Claw disorders: any disorder observed on the hoof for the disorders sole haemorrhage, digital dermatitis, interdigital dermatitis, sole ulcer, interdigital hyperplasia, and white line disease
Interval from 1st to last insemination: interval in days between 1st to last insemination resulting in a gestation.
Calving ease: calving score on a scale of 1 to 4 (easy to caesarean section) at the 1st calving. All animals in the analysis had the opportunity to have a productive life of at least 36 months.

Results are based on analyses conducted in 4 populations, three Holstein populations from Hungary, Netherlands and Switzerland, and the Fleckvieh population from Germany. Only 1st lactation classifications were used for the analysis. A more detailed description of the data can be found in Table 1.

The relationships found were very similar for the different populations. Therefore, for each conformation trait the relationship shown in this document is based on data of one population, which is indicated per trait in Table 1. Further, Table 1 shows the number of records used for every conformation trait – functional trait combination, as also the period of the scores.

Table 1. Period and number of scores used for estimating the relationships between conformation and functional traits for cattle.
Trait	Country¹	Traits²
		SURV	LP	INT	CE	CLAW	SCC
		Period of scores³
	nld	2010-2013		2014-2017			2015-2016
	che	9/2011 - 12/2016		X			9/2011-12/2016
	deu	10/2013 - 9/2014		X			Cows born 2014-2016
		Number of records
Stature	nld	110922	117080	322532
Chest width	nld	110923	117120	322621
Body depth	nld	110923	117120	322621
Angularity	nld	110923	117120	322621
Rump angle	nld	110923	117120	322621	138638
Rump width	nld	110923	117120	322621	138639
Body condition score	nld	110923	117120	322621	138639
Rear legs rear view	nld	110923	117120			44617
Rear legs set	nld	110923	117120			44617
Foot angle	nld	110923	117120			44617
Locomotion	nld	109946	115816			44517
Fore udder attachment	nld	110923	117120				230127
Front teat placement	nld	110923	117120				230127
Teat length	nld	110923	117120				230127
Udder depth	nld	110923	117120				230127
Rear udder height	nld	110923	117120				230127
Central ligament	nld	110923	117120				230127
Rear teat placement	nld	110923	117120				230127
Bone structure	che	36979	36978
Rear udder width	che	36979	36978				35318
Muscularity	deu	16572	39722
Fore udder length	deu	16572	39722				97232
¹ NLD = the Netherlands, CHE = Switzerland, DEU = Germany.² Traits in analysis: SURV = survival until 4th lactation, LP = lifetime production, INT = interval first-last insemination, CE = calving ease, CLAW = claw disorders, SCC = somatic cell count.³ Date format either YYYY or MM/YYYY.Stature

Stature

Stature is clearly a trait with an intermediate optimum. Very small cows have a lower lifetime production. Their smaller size has no effect on the level of culling rate, so the lower lifetime production is more likely due to lower production per lactation. On the other side of the scale tall cows have a much lower survivability - possibly because of health issues related to their size - which in turn impacts their lifetime production.

Chest width

The graph shows, that both survival and lifetime production are decreasing when the linear score of the cows move down or up from the middle of the scale. When the chest is narrow the cow has not enough strength to ensure a good lifetime production and survival. When the chest is wider, the cows become “too wide”, they do not represent their age, they look like a mature cow in their young age. This influences the efficiency of the survival and through this, the lifetime production in a negative way.

Body depth

Body depth has an intermediate optimum in relation to survival and fertility. Deeper cows in 1st lactation, tend to have a reduced fertility (longer interval 1st to last insemination) and a shorter productive life, which results in a lower lifetime production. The effect of shallow cows is only a reduced lifetime production. Fertility does not seem to be hindered in those cows.

Angularity

Angularity does not show any relationship with fertility. However, cows with a higher score for angularity have, on average, a higher lifetime production. This relationship is much stronger for Angularity scores below average than above average and is based on the highly positive relationship between production and angularity.

Rump angle

For most of the scale, Rump Angle does not have any strong relationship with the traits we analyzed. There is no relationship to calving ease. The relationship with survival is only present for extreme scores. This outcome shows that Rump Angle in relation to survival could be considered more as a defect, than a true linear trait.

Rump width

As shown in the graph, the analyses did not detect any serious effect of Rump Width on calving ease. Beside this finding, extreme narrow rumps have a negative effect on lifetime production. The effect is larger for lifetime production than for survival. The reason might be that narrower rumps lead to narrower udders and lower milk production. On the other side wide-rumped cows are usually large cows. It has been shown that big cows have a reduced lifetime production and survival.

Rear legs rear view

There is a strong relation between hocked-in rear legs and claw disorders. Leg position with extreme toe-out implies a bad foot position. This can influence the susceptibility to claw diseases. It is probably this relationship that explains the reduced survival and lifetime production of cows with low score for Rear Legs Rear View. For above average score for Rear Legs Rear View there is no relation anymore with the three analyzed traits.

Rear legs set

Rear Legs Set is a trait with an intermediate optimum. Based on the data, both extremes, straight or sickled, show a tendency to reduced performance for functional traits. However, cows with sickled legs are more susceptible to claw problems and reduced lifetime production than those with straight legs.

Foot angle

Cows with very low Foot Angle are much more susceptible to claw disorders than those with steeper Foot Angle. Steep Foot Angle is only a problem when it is extreme, especially a score for less than average angle. Survival and lifetime production are lower as well for cows with low Foot Angle.

Foot Angle is highly correlated with hoof height. Above average hoof height (more angle) will allow the weight of the cow to be more evenly distributed on the hoof and can lead to less claw disorders. Cows with higher hoofs are more stable in different conditions (slatted floor, pasture). The thickness of the heel prevents some injuries.

Fore udder attachment

The Fore Udder Attachment does not have a large impact on udder health, survival or lifetime production, unless the attachment is very loose. For extreme loose Fore Udder Attachment an increase in somatic cell count is found.

Front teat placement

Front Teat Placement does not have a strong association with any of the analyzed traits, except for extreme scores. Low value, that is teats which are to the outside of the quarters are often seen with cows having higher cell count and lower survival. Milkability with conventional milking systems is hindered when teats are far apart. This aspect might lead to a higher cell count.

Teat length

As for Front Teat Placement, Teat Length is a trait with an intermediate optimum. However, the effect on survival and lifetime production is more important. Short teats are linked to a shorter productive life. On the other end of the scale, long teats are linked as well to shorter productive life. The association might be caused by teats being more prone to injuries or to infections.

Udder depth

Udder depth is a trait with an intermediate optimum. It shows the most striking relation with health and longevity traits. A lower udder floor is related to a poor survival and lifetime production. Cows with this kind of udder are at higher risk of being culled as many difficulties might arise, such as udder health problems (also indicated by the higher somatic cell count), udder injuries, difficulties with the attachment of the milking machine, etc. The relationship at the high end of the scale (shallow udders) shows an interesting effect. Although survival remain high with higher udder floor, lifetime production plumets. Cows with a high score, are usually poor producers. Even though they live a rather long productive life, their lifetime production remains low.

Rear udder height

The association between lifetime production and Rear Udder Height is positive and nearly linear. The reason is to be found in a positive relationship with milk production, as there is more room to produce milk. But at the same time, higher rear udder makes it possible to have larger udders without lowering udder depth. These 2 elements combined result in not only a better lactation production, but rather a larger lifetime production. The association with survival and somatic cell count is minor.

Central ligament

A strong Central Ligament is necessary to ensure that the udder is able to produce milk during a long time without becoming too deep after a several lactations. However, extreme depth of the udder cleft does not seem to be needed, as the effect of central ligament is non-existent from the middle of the scale onwards. But low scores for this trait are related to poor udder health and longevity. On the lower side of the scale, the relationship is like the one for Udder Depth and Front Teat Placement, showing that these traits describe in common the inability of the udder to last for multiple lactations.

Rear teat placement

The graph shows that Rear Teat Placement is a trait for which extremes should be avoided. Wide Rear Teat Placement (low score) is often related to a weak Central Ligament. This relationship could explain the lower survival and the high cell count associated with low scores for Rear Teat placement. It should be mentioned, regarding this trait, that an important part of the data comes from farms without robotic milking. Even though, rear teats which are placed close together are linked with a slightly lower survival.

Locomotion

The relation of locomotion with survival and lifetime production is strong. Lifetime production is much more reduced than survival in cows with a low score for locomotion. The cause of the association with claw disorder might be claw diseases leading to a bad locomotion as well as locomotion leading to claw diseases.

Body Condition Score (BCS)

For Body Condition Score, the most important association can be found with longevity traits, both survival and lifetime production. For both traits there is an intermediate optimum. Cows with extreme low score for BCS appears to have more claw disorders and higher interval between first and last insemination.

Bone structure

The thickness of the bone has a weak relation with survival and lifetime production. Low values - meaning a coarse bone structure - are related to a lower survival.

Rear udder width

Rear Udder Width has a positive and nearly linear relationship with lifetime production. This relationship is like the one found with Rear Udder Height. The reason is that more room is available for milk production, without deepening the udder.

Muscularity

Muscularity, a standard trait for dual purpose cattle, shows an intermediate optimum for survival and lifetime production. The use of Muscularity in linear description is also an indicator of functional traits. As with milk production, its optimum should be defined in relation to the breeding goal for meat production on one hand, and survival on the other hand.

**Section 5. Appendix 5. Figure 21: Muscolarity**

Fore udder length

Fore Udder Length, a second trait that is specific for dual purpose cattle, has an intermediate optimum for survival, and for lifetime production. Shorter fore udders are found in cows with low production. Very long fore udders usually produce more milk, what leads to a higher lifetime production.

@@ Line 160: / Line 160: @@
 This document contains a list of standard traits, which is a list of traits which could be scored by all organisations in the same way to improve further harmonisation on international level.
-The list with standard traits and the standard trait definition for dairy goats can be found in [[Section 05 – Conformation Recording#Appendix 4: The standard trait definition for Dairy Goats|Appendix 4: The standard trait definition for dairy goats]]
+The list with standard traits and the standard trait definition for dairy goats can be found in [[Section 05 – Conformation Recording#Appendix 4: Conformation recoding of Dairy Goats|Appendix 4: The standard trait definition for dairy goats]]
 == Improving data quality and monitoring classifiers ==
@@ Line 310: / Line 310: @@
 Per defect a definition is given in ''Table 2'' and it is indicated in which type of breed the defect can have added value.
-<div align="center"><table class="MsoNormalTable" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: medium none" id="table1"><caption>''\x''</caption><tr>
+<div align="center"><table class="MsoNormalTable" border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: medium none" id="table1"><caption>''Table 2. Llist of approved conformation defects.''</caption><tr>
 			<td rowspan="2" width="113" valign="bottom" style="border: 1.0pt solid windowtext; padding-left: 5.4pt; padding-right: 5.4pt; padding-top: 0cm; padding-bottom: 0cm" align="center">
 			<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0cm"><b>Defect</b></td>
@@ Line 585: / Line 585: @@
 * Usage of average of n-measurements (e.g. 10) or of a certain period (e.g. week).
-== Considerations ==
+=== Considerations ===
 * Determined teat positions are actually the position of teat ends. In case trait udder depth is derived from teat positions, one also should or could consider teat length to get a more exact measure of udder depth. This correction only is possible in case the AMS system is also determining teat length.
 * Further it should be noticed that stature of the cow affects the distance from floor to udder (z coordinate). It also should be noticed that scoring udder depth by classifiers, udder depth is scored in relation to the hock (as reference point). This also results in the situation that udder depth scored by classifiers is also affected by stature.
@@ Line 596: / Line 595: @@
 # [[Conformation Recording: Guidelines on usage of data from AMS systems to derive udder conformation traits#cite ref-1|↑]] Byskov, K., L. H. Buch, and G. P. Aamand. 2012. Possibilities of implementing measures from automatic milking systems in routine evaluations of udder conformation and milking speed. Interbull Bull. 46:28–32.
 # [[Conformation Recording: Guidelines on usage of data from AMS systems to derive udder conformation traits#cite ref-2|↑]] Poppe, M., H.A. Mulder, B.J. Ducro, and G. de Jong, 2019. Genetic analysis of udder conformation traits derived from automatic milking system recording in dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 102:1386–1396.
-== Appendix 1: The standard trait definition for dairy cattle ==
-=== Approved standard traits ===
+== Recommendation on scoring conformation defects in dairy goats ==
-* 1.       Stature
+=== Introduction ===
-* 2.      Chest Width
+In many conformation systems for dairy goat defects are scored when scoring animals for linear traits and general characteristics. Defects are not there to describe the whole variation in the population, but only if a problematic trait (e.g. side leak) can be detected. The number of defects scored should be kept as low as possible. This chapter describes characteristics of some known defects for dairy goats. They are considered to be important for dairy goats and could be used by countries or organizations that do not yet score them. If a country or organization already has a list of defects, they could consider aligning their list with the ICAR list.
-* 3.      Body Depth
-* 4.      Rib Structure
-* 5.      Rump Angle
-* 6.      Rump Width
-* 7.      Rear Legs Set
-* 8.      Legs Rear View
-* 9.      Foot Angle
-* 10.     Front Feet Orientation
-* 11.     Locomotion
-* 12.     Fore Udder Attachment
-* 13.     Rear Udder Height
-* 14.     Central Ligament
-* 15.     Udder Depth
-* 16.     Front Teat Placement
-* 17.     Teat Length
-* 18.     Rear Teat Placement
-* 19.     Udder balance
-* 20.     Body condition score
-=== Common standard traits ===
+=== Description of defect ===
+The easiest way to score conformation defects digitally, is when a goat is scored for a group of linear traits (frame, legs/feet, udder); the classifier is requested by the system if there are any specific defects within this particular group.
-* 21.    Hock development
+The advantages of scoring defects are:
-* 22.   Bone structure
-* 23.    Rear udder width
-* 24.   Teat thickness
-* 25.   Muscularity
-=== Standard trait definition ===
+# Get overview what the status of a specific defect is in the population
-The precise description of each trait is well defined and it is essential that the full range of linear scores to identify the intermediate and extremes of each trait be used. The assessment parameters for the calculations should be based on the expected biological extremes of a cow in the first lactation. The scale must cover the biological extremes of the current population.
+# Could be used for determining the score for general characteristics
+# Could be used to present figures per sire
-Recommended Scale 1 - 9
+Disadvantage of scoring defects:
-'''Note''': The linear scale used, must cover the expected biological extremes of the population in the country of assessment.
+# Difficult to harmonize classifiers as definitions are not always clear and for training sessions it is very hard to find a group of goats representing all defects.
-==== 1. Stature ====
+Defects can be scored with 0 (not present), 1 (slightly present) or 2 (pronounced defect). More practical is that classifier score defects only when they are present, 1 (slightly present) or 2 (pronounced defect).
-Reference point: Measured from the top of the spine in between hips to ground. Precise measurement in centimetres or inches, or linear scale.
-- Short
+=== Approved standard defects ===
+The list with approved conformation defects is shown in Table 4 below.
-- Intermediate
+{| class="wikitable"
+|+Table 4: Approved standard defects in dairy goats
+|Defect
+|Definition
+|-
+|Loose  shoulder
+|Weakening of  the muscles between the chest and the front limbs, which can cause problems  when standing up
+|-
+|Jaw:  undershot and overshot
-- Tall
+|Underdevelopment  of the lower or upper jaw
-[[File:S5-Appendix1-Fig.1.jpg|alt=Session 5. Appendix 1. Figure 1: Stature|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 1: Stature''']]
+|-
+|Supernumerary  teats
-==== 2. Chest width ====
+|More than two  teats (which sometimes produce milk)
-Reference point: Measured from the inside surface between the top of the front legs.
+|-
+|Double  teats
-- Narrow
+|Teat splits  in two teats
+|-
+|Unbalanced  udder
+|Udder halves are  expressed to varying degrees
+|-
+|Udder  warts
+|Non-milk-producing  protrusions on the udder
+|-
+|Weeping  teats/udder
+|Milk can filter through pores in the skin to  the udder surface
+|-
+|Splayed  claws
+|Enlarged gap  between the claws
+|}
-- Intermediate
+== Appendix 1: The standard trait definition for dairy cattle ==
-- Wide
+=== Approved standard traits ===
-[[File:Session 5. Appendix1. Figure 2- Chest width.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 2- Chest width''']]
-==== 3. Body depth ====
+* 1.       Stature
-Reference point: Distance between top of spine and bottom of barrel at last rib - the deepest point: independent of stature.
+* 2.      Chest Width
+* 3.      Body Depth
-- Shallow
+* 4.      Rib Structure
+* 5.      Rump Angle
-- Intermediate
+* 6.      Rump Width
+* 7.      Rear Legs Set
-. Deep
+* 8.      Legs Rear View
-[[File:Session 5. Appendix 1. Figure 3- Body depth.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 3: Body depth''']]
+* 9.      Foot Angle
+* 10.     Front Feet Orientation
+* 11.     Locomotion
+* 12.     Fore Udder Attachment
+* 13.     Rear Udder Height
+* 14.     Central Ligament
+* 15.     Udder Depth
+* 16.     Front Teat Placement
+* 17.     Teat Length
+* 18.     Rear Teat Placement
+* 19.     Udder balance
+* 20.     Body condition score
-==== .4 Rib Structure ====
+=== Common standard traits ===
-Reference point: The spring and angle of the ribs (60/40). Not a true linear trait.
-- Little spring of ribs, ribs are facing down
+* 21.    Hock development
+* 22.   Bone structure
+* 23.    Rear udder width
+* 24.   Teat thickness
+* 25.   Muscularity
+* 26.   Loin strength
-- Intermediate
+=== Standard trait definition ===
+The precise description of each trait is well defined and it is essential that the full range of linear scores to identify the intermediate and extremes of each trait be used. The assessment parameters for the calculations should be based on the expected biological extremes of a cow in the first lactation. The scale must cover the biological extremes of the current population.
-- Much spring of ribs and ribs are pointing rearward
+Recommended Scale 1 - 9
-Reference scale: weighing of the two components; angle and spring of the ribs. The best way to score spring, the arch of the ribs, is looking at the cow from behind. Direction of the ribs is scored looking at the cow from the side. Openness is not part of the definition.
+'''Note''': The linear scale used, must cover the expected biological extremes of the population in the country of assessment.
-Do the measurement on the left side of the body.
+==== 1. Stature ====
+Reference point: Measured from the top of the spine in between hips to ground. Precise measurement in centimetres or inches, or linear scale.
-''Rear view:''
+- Short
-[[File:Session 5. Appendix 1. Figure 4A. Rib structure.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 4A. Rib structure (Rear view)''']]
-''Side view:''
-[[File:Session 5. Appendix 1. Figure 4B- Rib structure (Rear view).jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 4B: Rib structure (Side view)''']]
-==== 5. Rump Angle ====
+- Intermediate
-Reference point: Measured as the angle of the rump structure from hooks (hips) to pins.
-- High pins
+- Tall
+[[File:S5-Appendix1-Fig.1.jpg|alt=Session 5. Appendix 1. Figure 1: Stature|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 1: Stature''']]
-- Intermediate
+==== 2. Chest width ====
+Reference point: Measured from the inside surface between the top of the front legs.
-- Extreme slope
-Depending on the population rump angle can be scored level with a score in the range of 3-5.
-[[File:Session 5. Appendix 1. Figure 5- Rump angle.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 5: Rump angle''']]
-==== 6. Rump width ====
-Reference point: The distance between the most posterior point of pin bones.
 - Narrow
@@ Line 704: / Line 710: @@
 - Wide
-[[File:Session 5. Appendix 1.Figure 6- Rump width.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1.Figure 6: Rump width''']]
+[[File:Session 5. Appendix1. Figure 2- Chest width.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 2- Chest width''']]
-==== 7. Rear legs rear view ====
+==== 3. Body depth ====
-Reference point: Direction of rear feet when viewed from the rear.
+Reference point: Distance between top of spine and bottom of barrel at last rib - the deepest point: independent of stature.
-- Extreme toe-out
+- Shallow
-- Intermediate; slight toe-out
+- Intermediate
-- Parallel feet
+. Deep
-[[File:Session 5. Appendix 1. Figure 7- Rear legs rear view.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 7: Rear legs rear view''']]
+[[File:Session 5. Appendix 1. Figure 3- Body depth.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 3: Body depth''']]
-==== 8. Rear legs set ====
+==== .4 Rib Structure ====
-Reference point: Angle measured at the front of the hock.
+Reference point: The spring and angle of the ribs (60/40). Not a true linear trait.
-- Straight
+- Little spring of ribs, ribs are facing down
 - Intermediate
-- Sickled
+- Much spring of ribs and ribs are pointing rearward
-If the rear legs set is different, the most extreme one should be scored.
+Reference scale: weighing of the two components; angle and spring of the ribs. The best way to score spring, the arch of the ribs, is looking at the cow from behind. Direction of the ribs is scored looking at the cow from the side. Openness is not part of the definition.
-[[File:Session 5. Appendix 1. Figure 8- Rear legs set.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 8: Rear legs set''']]
-==== 9. Foot angle ====
+Do the measurement on the left side of the body.
-Reference point: Angle at the front of the rear hoof measured from the floor to the hairline at the right hoof.
+''Rear view:''
+[[File:Session 5. Appendix 1. Figure 4A. Rib structure.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 4A. Rib structure (Rear view)''']]
+''Side view:''
+[[File:Session 5. Appendix 1. Figure 4B- Rib structure (Rear view).jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 4B: Rib structure (Side view)''']]
+==== 5. Rump Angle ====
+Reference point: Measured as the angle of the rump structure from hooks (hips) to pins.
-- Very low angle
+- High pins
 - Intermediate
-- Very steep
+- Extreme slope
-If the foot angle is different, the most extreme one should be scored.
+Depending on the population rump angle can be scored level with a score in the range of 3-5.
+[[File:Session 5. Appendix 1. Figure 5- Rump angle.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 5: Rump angle''']]
-If the foot angle is difficult to score because of hoof trimming, bedding, manure etc. It is also possible to look at the angle of hairline.
+==== 6. Rump width ====
-[[File:Session 5. Appendix 1. Figure 9- Foot angle.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 9: Foot angle''']]
+Reference point: The distance between the most posterior point of pin bones.
-==== 10. Font Feet Orientation ====
+- Narrow
-Reference point: The orientation of the front feet, scored from behind the cow.
-– toes extremely out
+- Intermediate
-– intermediate
+- Wide
+[[File:Session 5. Appendix 1.Figure 6- Rump width.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1.Figure 6: Rump width''']]
-– toes parallel
-[[File:10 Font Feet Orientation.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 10: Font Feet Orientation''']]
-==== 11. Locomotion ====
+==== 7. Rear legs rear view ====
-Reference point: The use of legs and feet, length and direction of the step.
+Reference point: Direction of rear feet when viewed from the rear.
-- Severe Abduction - Short Stride
+- Extreme toe-out
-- Slight Abduction - Medium Stride
+- Intermediate; slight toe-out
-- No Abduction - Long stride
+- Parallel feet
+[[File:Session 5. Appendix 1. Figure 7- Rear legs rear view.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 7: Rear legs rear view''']]
-Score only if the cow can walk (cow has no lameness).
+==== 8. Rear legs set ====
-[[File:Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 11. Locomotion.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 11: Locomotion''']]
+Reference point: Angle measured at the front of the hock.
-==== 12. Fore udder attachment ====
+- Straight
-Reference point: The strength of attachment of the fore udder to the abdominal wall.
-                       Not a true linear trait.
+- Intermediate
-- Weak and loose
+- Sickled
-- Intermediate
+If the rear legs set is different, the most extreme one should be scored.
+[[File:Session 5. Appendix 1. Figure 8- Rear legs set.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 8: Rear legs set''']]
-- Extremely strong and tight
+==== 9. Foot angle ====
-[[File:Session 5. Appendix 1. Figure 10- Fore udder attachment-Appendix1-Fig.10.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 12: Fore udder attachment-Appendix1-Fig.10''']]
+Reference point: Angle at the front of the rear hoof measured from the floor to the hairline at the right hoof.
-==== 13. Front teat placement ====
+- Very low angle
-Reference point: The position of the front teat from the centre of quarter as viewed from the rear.
-- Outside of quarter
+- Intermediate
-- Intermediate
+- Very steep
-- Inside of quarter
+If the foot angle is different, the most extreme one should be scored.
-[[File:Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 11- Front teat placement.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 13: Front teat placement''']]
-==== 14. Teat length ====
+If the foot angle is difficult to score because of hoof trimming, bedding, manure etc. It is also possible to look at the angle of hairline.
-Reference point: The length of the front teat.
+[[File:Session 5. Appendix 1. Figure 9- Foot angle.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 9: Foot angle''']]
-- Short
+==== 10. Font Feet Orientation ====
+Reference point: The orientation of the front feet, scored from behind the cow.
-- Intermediate
+– toes extremely out
-- Long
+– intermediate
-Instead of scoring front teat, the rear teat can be scored. The choice of front teat or rear teat should be consistent in the whole system.
+– toes parallel
-[[File:Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 12- Teat length.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 14: Teat length''']]
+[[File:10 Font Feet Orientation.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 10: Font Feet Orientation''']]
-==== 15. Udder depth ====
+==== 11. Locomotion ====
-Reference point: The distance from the lowest part of the udder floor to the hock.
+Reference point: The use of legs and feet, length and direction of the step.
-- Deep
+- Severe Abduction - Short Stride
-- Intermediate
+- Slight Abduction - Medium Stride
-- Shallow
+- No Abduction - Long stride
-Potential point of reference is the level with the hock.
+Score only if the cow can walk (cow has no lameness).
-[[File:Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 13- Udder dept.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 15: Udder dept''']]
+[[File:Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 11. Locomotion.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 11: Locomotion''']]
-==== 16. Rear udder height ====
+==== 12. Fore udder attachment ====
-Reference point: The distance between the bottom of the vulva and the milk secreting tissue: in relation to the height of the animal.
+Reference point: The strength of attachment of the fore udder to the abdominal wall.
-- Low
+                       Not a true linear trait.
-- Intermediate
+- Weak and loose
-- High
+- Intermediate
-[[File:Section 5. Appendix .Figure 14- Rear udder height.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix .Figure 16: Rear udder height''']]
-==== 17. Central ligament ====
+- Extremely strong and tight
-Reference point: The depth of cleft at the base of the rear udder.
+[[File:Session 5. Appendix 1. Figure 10- Fore udder attachment-Appendix1-Fig.10.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 12: Fore udder attachment-Appendix1-Fig.10''']]
-- Convex to flat floor (flat), broken ligament
+==== 13. Front teat placement ====
+Reference point: The position of the front teat from the centre of quarter as viewed from the rear.
-- Intermediate
-- Deep cleft/strong ligament
-[[File:Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 15- Central ligament.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 17: Central ligament''']]
-==== 18. Rear teat placement ====
-Reference point: The position of the rear teat from the centre of quarter:
 - Outside of quarter
 - Intermediate
 - Inside of quarter
-[[File:Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 16- Rear teat placement.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 18: Rear teat placement''']]
+[[File:Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 11- Front teat placement.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 13: Front teat placement''']]
-==== 20. Body condition score ====
+==== 14. Teat length ====
-Reference point: The covering of fat over the tail head & rump. Not a true linear trait.
+Reference point: The length of the front teat.
-- Poor
+- Short
 - Intermediate
-- Grossly fat
+- Long
-With a score from 1-6 there mainly has to be looked at the loin, while the tail implant is important with the higher score (7-9).
+Instead of scoring front teat, the rear teat can be scored. The choice of front teat or rear teat should be consistent in the whole system.
-[[File:Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 18- Body condition score.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 20: Body condition score''']]
+[[File:Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 12- Teat length.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 14: Teat length''']]
-==== 21. Hock development ====
+==== 15. Udder depth ====
-Reference point: Cleanness and dryness of the hock.
+Reference point: The distance from the lowest part of the udder floor to the hock.
-- Hock with a lot of fluid
+- Deep
 - Intermediate
-- Complete clean and dry
+- Shallow
-[[File:Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 19.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 21: Hock development''']]
+Potential point of reference is the level with the hock.
+[[File:Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 13- Udder dept.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 15: Udder dept''']]
+==== 16. Rear udder height ====
+Reference point: The distance between the bottom of the vulva and the milk secreting tissue: in relation to the height of the animal.
-==== 22. Bone structure ====
+- Low
-Reference point: The thickness and width of the bone structure, assessed by both examining the rear leg from the rear and from the side.
-- Broad and thick
 - Intermediate
-- Flat
+- High
-[[File:S5-Appendix1-Fig.20.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 22: Bone structure''']]
+[[File:Section 5. Appendix .Figure 14- Rear udder height.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix .Figure 16: Rear udder height''']]
-==== 23. Rear udder width ====
+==== 17. Central ligament ====
-Reference point: Width of the udder at the point where the milk secretion tissue is attached to the body.
+Reference point: The depth of cleft at the base of the rear udder.
-- Narrow
+- Convex to flat floor (flat), broken ligament
 - Intermediate
-- Wide
+- Deep cleft/strong ligament
-[[File:Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 21- Rear udder width.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 23: Rear udder width''']]
+[[File:Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 15- Central ligament.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 17: Central ligament''']]
-==== 24. Teat thickness ====
+==== 18. Rear teat placement ====
-Reference point: Thickness of the teat in the middle of the front teat.
+Reference point: The position of the rear teat from the centre of quarter:
-- Thin
+- Outside of quarter
 - Intermediate
-- Thick
+- Inside of quarter
+[[File:Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 16- Rear teat placement.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 18: Rear teat placement''']]
-==== 25. Muscularity ====
+==== 21. Udder balance ====
-Reference point: The amount of muscles as seen in the loins and thighs. Not a linear trait.
+Reference point: Levelness of udder floor.
-- Poor
+The trait is assessed from the side where the deepest point of the rear udder floor is compared to the deepest point of the front udder floor.
-- Intermediate
+In case there is a difference between both sides, score the most natural side.
-- Grossly muscular
+– Rear deeper
-[[File:S5-Appendix1-Fig.23.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 25: Muscolarity''']]
-== Appendix 2: The standard trait definition for dual purpose cattle ==
+– Intermediate
-=== Approved Standard Traits ===
+– Front deeper
+[[File:19. Udder balance.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 19: Udder balance''']]
-* 1. Stature
+==== 20. Body condition score ====
-* 2. Chest Width
+Reference point: The covering of fat over the tail head & rump. Not a true linear trait.
-* 3. Body Depth
-* 4. Rump Angle
-* 5. Rump Width
-* 6. Rump Length
-* 7. Muscularity
-* 8. Rear Legs Set
-* 9. Hock Development
-* 10. Foot Angle
-* 11. Locomotion
-* 12. Fore Udder Attachment
-* 13. Rear Udder Height
-* 14. Central Ligament
-* 15. Udder Depth
-* 16. Fore Udder Length
-* 17. Front Teat Placement
-* 18. Teat Length
-* 19. Teat Thickness
-* 20. Rear Teat Placement
-* 21. Teat Direction
-=== Standard trait definition ===
+- Poor
-The precise description of each trait is well defined and it is essential that the full range of linear scores to identify the intermediate and extremes of each trait be used. The assessment parameters for the calculations should be based on the expected biological extremes of a cow in the first lactation. The scale must cover the biological extremes of the current population.
-Recommended Scale 1 - 9
+- Intermediate
+- Grossly fat
-Note: The linear scale used, must cover the expected biological extremes of the population in the country of assessment.
+With a score from 1-6 there mainly has to be looked at the loin, while the tail implant is important with the higher score (7-9).
+[[File:Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 18- Body condition score.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 20: Body condition score''']]
-==== Stature ====
+==== 21. Hock development ====
-Reference point: Measured from the top of the spine in between hips to ground. Precise measurement in centimetres or inches, or linear scale.
+Reference point: Cleanness and dryness of the hock.
-- Short
+- Hock with a lot of fluid
 - Intermediate
-- Tall
+- Complete clean and dry
-[[File:S5-Appendix2-Fig.1.jpg|center|thumb|400x400px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 1: Stature''']]
+[[File:Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 19.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 21: Hock development''']]
-==== Chest width ====
-Reference point: Measured from the inside surface between the top of the front legs.
-- Narrow
-- Intermediate
+==== 22. Bone structure ====
+Reference point: The thickness and width of the bone structure, assessed by both examining the rear leg from the rear and from the side.
-- Wide[[File:S5-Appendix2-Fig.2.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 2: Chest width''']]
+- Broad and thick
-==== Body depth ====
-Reference point: Distance between top of spine and bottom of barrel at last rib - the deepest point: independent of stature.
-- Shallow
 - Intermediate
-- Deep
+- Flat
-[[File:S5-Appendix2-Fig.3.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 3: Body depth''']]
+[[File:S5-Appendix1-Fig.20.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 22: Bone structure''']]
-==== Rump angle ====
+==== 23. Rear udder width ====
-Reference point: Measured as the angle of the rump structure from hooks (hips) to pins.
+Reference point: Width of the udder at the point where the milk secretion tissue is attached to the body.
-- High Pins
+- Narrow
 - Intermediate
-- Extreme slope
+- Wide
+[[File:Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 21- Rear udder width.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 23: Rear udder width''']]
-Depending on the population rump angle can be scored level with a score in the range of 3-5.
+==== 24. Teat thickness ====
-[[File:S5-Appendix2-Fig.4.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix. Figure 4: Rump angle''']]
+Reference point: Thickness of the teat in the middle of the front teat.
-==== Rump width ====
+- Thin
-Reference point: The distance between the most posterior point of pin bones.
-- Narrow
 - Intermediate
-- Wide
+- Thick
-[[File:S5-Appendix2-Fig.5.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section5. Appendix 2. Figure 5: Rump width''']]
-==== Rump length ====
+==== 25. Muscularity ====
-Reference point: The distance between beginning (front) of the hip bone and the end (rear) of the pin bone.
+Reference point: The amount of muscles as seen in the loins and thighs. Not a linear trait.
-- Short
+- Poor
-- Intermediate
-- Long[[File:S5-Appendix2-Fig.6.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 6- Rump length''']]
-==== Muscularity ====
-Reference point: The amount of muscles as seen in the loins and thighs. Not a linear trait.
-- Poor
 - Intermediate
 - Grossly muscular
-[[File:S5-Appendix2-Fig.7.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 7: Muscolarity''']]
+[[File:S5-Appendix1-Fig.23.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 25: Muscolarity''']]
-==== Rear legs set ====
+==== 26. Loin strength ====
-Reference point:  Angle measured at the front of the hock.
+Ref. Point: Strength of the loin
-- Straight
+– Weak
-- Intermediate
+– Intermediate
-- SickledIf the rear legs set is different, the most extreme one should be scored.
+- Strong
-[[File:S5-Appendix2-Fig.8.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 8: Rear leg set''']]
+[[File:26. Loin strength.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 26: Loin strength''']]
-==== Hock development ====
+== Appendix 2: The standard trait definition for dual purpose cattle ==
-Reference point:  Cleanness and dryness of the hock.
-- Hock with a lot of fluid
+=== Approved Standard Traits ===
-- Intermediate
+* 1. Stature
+* 2. Chest Width
-- Complete clean and dry
+* 3. Body Depth
-[[File:S5-Appendix2-Figure 9- Hock development.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 2-Figure 9: Hock development''']]
+* 4. Rump Angle
+* 5. Rump Width
+* 6. Rump Length
+* 7. Muscularity
+* 8. Rear Legs Set
+* 9. Hock Development
+* 10. Foot Angle
+* 11. Locomotion
+* 12. Fore Udder Attachment
+* 13. Rear Udder Height
+* 14. Central Ligament
+* 15. Udder Depth
+* 16. Fore Udder Length
+* 17. Front Teat Placement
+* 18. Teat Length
+* 19. Teat Thickness
+* 20. Rear Teat Placement
+* 21. Teat Direction
-==== Foot angle ====
+=== Standard trait definition ===
-Reference point: Angle at the front of the rear hoof measured from the floor to the hairline at the right hoof.
+The precise description of each trait is well defined and it is essential that the full range of linear scores to identify the intermediate and extremes of each trait be used. The assessment parameters for the calculations should be based on the expected biological extremes of a cow in the first lactation. The scale must cover the biological extremes of the current population.
-- Very low angle
+Recommended Scale 1 - 9
-- Intermediate
+Note: The linear scale used, must cover the expected biological extremes of the population in the country of assessment.
-- Very steep
+==== 1. Stature ====
+Reference point: Measured from the top of the spine in between hips to ground. Precise measurement in centimetres or inches, or linear scale.
+- Short
-If the foot angle is different, the most extreme one should be scored. If the foot angle is difficult to score because of hoof trimming, bedding, manure etc. It is also possible to look at the angle of hairline.
+- Intermediate
-[[File:S5-Appendix2-Fig.10.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 10: Foot angle''']]
-==== Locomotion ====
+- Tall
-Reference point: The use of legs and feet, length and direction of the step.
+[[File:S5-Appendix2-Fig.1.jpg|center|thumb|400x400px|'''Section 5. Appendix 1. Figure 1: Stature''']]
-- Severe abduction - Short stride
+==== 2. Chest width ====
+Reference point: Measured from the inside surface between the top of the front legs.
-- Slight abduction - Medium stride
+- Narrow
-- No abduction - Long stride
+- Intermediate
-Score only if the cow can walk (cow has no lameness).
+- Wide[[File:S5-Appendix2-Fig.2.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 2: Chest width''']]
-[[File:S5-Appendix2-Fig.11.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 11: Locomotoion''']]
-==== Fore udder attachment ====
+==== 3. Body depth ====
-Reference point: The strength of attachment of the fore udder to the abdominal wall. Not a true linear trait.
+Reference point: Distance between top of spine and bottom of barrel at last rib - the deepest point: independent of stature.
-- Weak and loose
+- Shallow
 - Intermediate
-- Extremely strong and tight
+- Deep
-[[File:S5-Appendix2-Fig.12.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 12: Rear udder attachment''']]
+[[File:S5-Appendix2-Fig.3.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 3: Body depth''']]
-==== Rear udder height ====
+==== 4. Rump angle ====
-Reference point: The distance between the bottom of the vulva and the milk secreting tissue: in relation to the height of the animal.
+Reference point: Measured as the angle of the rump structure from hooks (hips) to pins.
-- Low
+- High Pins
 - Intermediate
-- High
+- Extreme slope
-[[File:S5-Appendix2-Fig.13.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 13: Rear udder height''']]
+Depending on the population rump angle can be scored level with a score in the range of 3-5.
+[[File:S5-Appendix2-Fig.4.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix. Figure 4: Rump angle''']]
-==== Central ligament ====
+==== 5. Rump width ====
-Reference point: The depth of cleft at the base of the rear udder.
+Reference point: The distance between the most posterior point of pin bones.
-- Convex to flat floor (flat), broken ligament
+- Narrow
 - Intermediate
-- Deep cleft/strong ligament
+- Wide
-[[File:S5-Appendix2-Fig.14.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 14: Central ligament''']]
+[[File:S5-Appendix2-Fig.5.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section5. Appendix 2. Figure 5: Rump width''']]
-==== Udder depth ====
+==== 6. Rump length ====
-Reference point: The distance from the lowest part of the udder floor to the hock.
+Reference point: The distance between beginning (front) of the hip bone and the end (rear) of the pin bone.
-- Deep
+- Short
 - Intermediate
-- Shallow
+- Long[[File:S5-Appendix2-Fig.6.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 6- Rump length''']]
-Potential point of reference is the level with the hock.
+==== 7. Muscularity ====
-[[File:S5-Appendix2-Fig.15.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 15: Udder depth''']]
+Reference point: The amount of muscles as seen in the loins and thighs. Not a linear trait.
-==== Fore udder length ====
+- Poor
-Reference point:  The distance between attachment point. of udder to abdominal wall to the midpoint between front and rear teat.
-- Short
 - Intermediate
-- Long
+- Grossly muscular
-[[File:S5-Appendix2-Fig.16.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 16: Fore udder length''']]
+[[File:S5-Appendix2-Fig.7.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 7: Muscolarity''']]
-==== Front teat placement ====
+==== 8. Rear legs set ====
-Reference point: The position of the front teat from the centre of quarter as viewed from the rear.
+Reference point:  Angle measured at the front of the hock.
-- Outside of quarter
+- Straight
 - Intermediate
-- Inside of quarter
+- SickledIf the rear legs set is different, the most extreme one should be scored.
-[[File:S5-Appendix2-Fig.17.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 17: Front teat placemnet''']]
+[[File:S5-Appendix2-Fig.8.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 8: Rear leg set''']]
-==== Teat length ====
+==== 9. Hock development ====
-Reference point: The length of the front teat.
+Reference point:  Cleanness and dryness of the hock.
-- Short
+- Hock with a lot of fluid
 - Intermediate
-- Long
+- Complete clean and dry
+[[File:S5-Appendix2-Figure 9- Hock development.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 2-Figure 9: Hock development''']]
-Instead of scoring front teat, the rear teat can be scored. The choice of front teat or rear teat should be consistent in the whole system.
+==== 10. Foot angle ====
-[[File:S5-Appendix2-Fig.18.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 18: Teat length]]
+Reference point: Angle at the front of the rear hoof measured from the floor to the hairline at the right hoof.
-==== Teat thickness ====
+- Very low angle
-Reference point: Thickness of the teat in the middle of the front teat.
-- Thin
 - Intermediate
-- Thick
+- Very steep
-[[File:S5-Appendix2-Fig.19.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 19: Teat thickness''']]
-==== Rear teat placement ====
+If the foot angle is different, the most extreme one should be scored. If the foot angle is difficult to score because of hoof trimming, bedding, manure etc. It is also possible to look at the angle of hairline.
-Reference point: The position of the rear teat from the centre of quarter.
+[[File:S5-Appendix2-Fig.10.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 10: Foot angle''']]
-- Outside of quarter
+==== 11. Locomotion ====
+Reference point: The use of legs and feet, length and direction of the step.
-- Intermediate
+- Severe abduction - Short stride
-- Inside of quarter
+- Slight abduction - Medium stride
-[[File:S5-Appendix2-Fig.20.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 20: Rear teat placement''']]
-==== Teat direction ====
+- No abduction - Long stride
-Reference point: The direction of the rear teats viewed from behind.
-- Outside
+Score only if the cow can walk (cow has no lameness).
+[[File:S5-Appendix2-Fig.11.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 11: Locomotoion''']]
-- Intermediate
+==== 12. Fore udder attachment ====
+Reference point: The strength of attachment of the fore udder to the abdominal wall. Not a true linear trait.
-- Inside
+- Weak and loose
-[[File:S5-Appendix21-Fig.2.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 21: Teat direction''']]
-== Appendix 3: The standard trait definition for beef breeds ==
+- Intermediate
+- Extremely strong and tight
+[[File:S5-Appendix2-Fig.12.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 12: Rear udder attachment''']]
+==== 13. Rear udder height ====
+Reference point: The distance between the bottom of the vulva and the milk secreting tissue: in relation to the height of the animal.
+- Low
+- Intermediate
-=== Approved standard traits ===
+- High
-'''Frame traits'''
+[[File:S5-Appendix2-Fig.13.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 13: Rear udder height''']]
-:* 1. Body Length
-:* 2. Back Length
+==== 14. Central ligament ====
-:* 3. Chest Width
+Reference point: The depth of cleft at the base of the rear udder.
-:* 4. Thurl Width
-:* 5. Body Depth
+- Convex to flat floor (flat), broken ligament
-:* 6. Chest Depth
-:* 7. Flank Depth
+- Intermediate
-:* 8. Length of Rump
-:* 9. Height at Withers
+- Deep cleft/strong ligament
-:* 10. Height at rump
+[[File:S5-Appendix2-Fig.14.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 14: Central ligament''']]
-:* 11. Rounding of ribs
-:* 12. Rump Angle
+==== 15. Udder depth ====
-:* 13. Tail Set
+Reference point: The distance from the lowest part of the udder floor to the hock.
-:* 14. Width at Hips
-:* 15. Width at Pins
+- Deep
-'''Muscularity traits'''
-:* 16. Muscularity Shoulder top view
-:* 17. Muscularity Shoulder side view
-:* 18. Back Width
-:* 19. Thickness of Loin
-:* 20. Thigh Rounding side view
-:* 21. Thigh Width rear view
-:* 22. Thigh Length
-:* 23. Body Condition Score
-'''Type traits'''
-:* 24. Muzzle Width
-:* 25. Top Line
-:* 26. Skin Thickness
-'''Leg traits'''
-:* 27. Front Legs front view
-:* 28. Fore Pasterns side view
-:* 29. Rear Legs rear view
-:* 30. Rear Legs side view
-:* 31. Hind Pasterns side view
-:* 32. Claw Angle
-:* 33. Thickness of Bone
-'''Udder traits'''
-:* 34. Thickness of Teat
-:* 35. Teat Length
-:* 36. Udder Balance
-:* 37. Udder Depth
+- Intermediate
-=== Standard trait definition ===
+- Shallow
-:The precise description of each trait is well defined and it is essential that the full range of linear scores to identify the intermediate and extremes of each trait be used. The assessment parameters for the calculations should be based on the expected biological extremes of the same category animals in terms of sex and age scored. The scale must cover the biological extremes of the current population or category. The extremes and the intermediates are ordered according to the degree of expression of the trait. For example thin and thick, long and short etc. A high or a low score has no particular meaning and it is not necessarily desirable or undesirable.
-:Recommended Scale 1 - 9
-:'''Note''': The linear scale used, must cover the expected biological extremes of the population in the country of assessment.
-==== Body length ====
+Potential point of reference is the level with the hock.
-Reference point: Length from shoulder to pins.
+[[File:S5-Appendix2-Fig.15.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 15: Udder depth''']]
+==== 16. Fore udder length ====
+Reference point:  The distance between attachment point. of udder to abdominal wall to the midpoint between front and rear teat.
 - Short
@@ Line 1,213: / Line 1,180: @@
 - Long
-[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.1.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 1: Body length''']]
+[[File:S5-Appendix2-Fig.16.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 16: Fore udder length''']]
-==== Back length ====
+==== 17. Front teat placement ====
-Reference point: Length from shoulder to hips.
+Reference point: The position of the front teat from the centre of quarter as viewed from the rear.
-- Short
+- Outside of quarter
 - Intermediate
-- Long
+- Inside of quarter
-[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.2.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 2: Back length''']]
+[[File:S5-Appendix2-Fig.17.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 17: Front teat placemnet''']]
-==== Chest width ====
+==== 18. Teat length ====
-Reference point: Measured from the inside surface between the top of the front legs.
+Reference point: The length of the front teat.
-- Narrow
+- Short
 - Intermediate
-- Wide
+- Long
-[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.3.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 3: Chest width''']]
+Instead of scoring front teat, the rear teat can be scored. The choice of front teat or rear teat should be consistent in the whole system.
+[[File:S5-Appendix2-Fig.18.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 18: Teat length]]
-==== Thurl width ====
+==== 19. Teat thickness ====
-Reference point: Distance between thurls.
+Reference point: Thickness of the teat in the middle of the front teat.
-- Narrow
+- Thin
 - Intermediate
-- Wide
+- Thick
-[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.4.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 4: Thurl width''']]
+[[File:S5-Appendix2-Fig.19.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 19: Teat thickness''']]
-==== Body depth ====
+==== 20. Rear teat placement ====
-Reference point: Distance between top of back and bottom of barrel at the deepest point: independent of stature.
+Reference point: The position of the rear teat from the centre of quarter.
-- Shallow
+- Outside of quarter
 - Intermediate
-- Deep
+- Inside of quarter
-[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.5.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 5: Body depth''']]
+[[File:S5-Appendix2-Fig.20.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 20: Rear teat placement''']]
-==== Chest depth ====
+==== 21. Teat direction ====
-Reference point: Distance between top of back just behind shoulder and bottom of barrel behind the front leg.
+Reference point: The direction of the rear teats viewed from behind.
-- Shallow
+- Outside
 - Intermediate
-- Deep
+- Inside
-[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.6.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 6: Chest depth''']]
+[[File:S5-Appendix21-Fig.2.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 2. Figure 21: Teat direction''']]
+== Appendix 3: The standard trait definition for beef breeds ==
-==== Flank depth ====
+=== Approved standard traits ===
-Reference point: Distance between top of back just before hips and bottom of barrel just before the rear leg.
+'''Frame traits'''
+:* 1. Body Length
-- Shallow
+:* 2. Back Length
+:* 3. Chest Width
-- Intermediate
+:* 4. Thurl Width
+:* 5. Body Depth
-- Deep
+:* 6. Chest Depth
-[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.7.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 7: Flank depth''']]
+:* 7. Flank Depth
+:* 8. Length of Rump
-==== Length of rump ====
+:* 9. Height at Withers
-Reference point: Distance from hips to pins
+:* 10. Height at rump
+:* 11. Rounding of ribs
-- Short
+:* 12. Rump Angle
+:* 13. Tail Set
-- Intermediate
+:* 14. Width at Hips
+:* 15. Width at Pins
-- Long
+'''Muscularity traits'''
-[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.8.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 8: Length of ump]]
+:* 16. Muscularity Shoulder top view
+:* 17. Muscularity Shoulder side view
+:* 18. Back Width
+:* 19. Thickness of Loin
+:* 20. Thigh Rounding side view
+:* 21. Thigh Width rear view
+:* 22. Thigh Length
+:* 23. Body Condition Score
+'''Type traits'''
+:* 24. Muzzle Width
+:* 25. Top Line
+:* 26. Skin Thickness
+'''Leg traits'''
+:* 27. Front Legs front view
+:* 28. Fore Pasterns side view
+:* 29. Rear Legs rear view
+:* 30. Rear Legs side view
+:* 31. Hind Pasterns side view
+:* 32. Claw Angle
+:* 33. Thickness of Bone
+'''Udder traits'''
+:* 34. Thickness of Teat
+:* 35. Teat Length
+:* 36. Udder Balance
+:* 37. Udder Depth
-==== Height at withers ====
-Reference point: Measured from the top of the back in between the shoulders to the ground.
+=== Standard trait definition ===
+:The precise description of each trait is well defined and it is essential that the full range of linear scores to identify the intermediate and extremes of each trait be used. The assessment parameters for the calculations should be based on the expected biological extremes of the same category animals in terms of sex and age scored. The scale must cover the biological extremes of the current population or category. The extremes and the intermediates are ordered according to the degree of expression of the trait. For example thin and thick, long and short etc. A high or a low score has no particular meaning and it is not necessarily desirable or undesirable.
+:Recommended Scale 1 - 9
+:'''Note''': The linear scale used, must cover the expected biological extremes of the population in the country of assessment.
+==== 1. Body length ====
+Reference point: Length from shoulder to pins.
 - Short
@@ Line 1,292: / Line 1,292: @@
 - Intermediate
-- Tall
+- Long
-[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.9.jpg|center|thumb|400x400px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 9: Height at withers''']]
+[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.1.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 1: Body length''']]
-==== Height at rump ====
+==== 2. Back length ====
-Reference point: Measured from the top of the back in between the hips to the ground.
+Reference point: Length from shoulder to hips.
 - Short
@@ Line 1,302: / Line 1,302: @@
 - Intermediate
-- Tall
+- Long
-[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.10.jpg|center|thumb|400x400px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 10: Height at rump''']]
+[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.2.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 2: Back length''']]
-==== Rounding of ribs ====
+==== 3. Chest width ====
-Reference point: The curving of the ribs.
+Reference point: Measured from the inside surface between the top of the front legs.
-- Flat
+- Narrow
 - Intermediate
-- Round
+- Wide
-[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.11.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 11: Roundings of ribs''']]
+[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.3.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 3: Chest width''']]
-==== Rump angle ====
+==== 4. Thurl width ====
-Reference point: Measured as the angle of the rump structure from hooks (hips) to pins.
+Reference point: Distance between thurls.
-- High pins
+- Narrow
 - Intermediate
-- Extreme slope
+- Wide
-[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.12.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 12: Rump angle''']]
+[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.4.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 4: Thurl width''']]
-==== Tail set ====
+==== 5. Body depth ====
-Reference point: Insertion of the tail.
+Reference point: Distance between top of back and bottom of barrel at the deepest point: independent of stature.
-- Deep
+- Shallow
 - Intermediate
-- Prominent
+- Deep
-[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.13.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 13: Tail set''']]
+[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.5.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 5: Body depth''']]
-==== Width at hips ====
+==== 6. Chest depth ====
-Reference point: Distance between the hips.
+Reference point: Distance between top of back just behind shoulder and bottom of barrel behind the front leg.
-- Narrow
+- Shallow
 - Intermediate
-- Wide
+- Deep
-[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.14.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 14: Width at hips''']]
+[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.6.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 6: Chest depth''']]
-==== Width at pins ====
+==== 7. Flank depth ====
-Reference point: Distance between the pins.
+Reference point: Distance between top of back just before hips and bottom of barrel just before the rear leg.
-- Narrow
+- Shallow
 - Intermediate
-- Wide
+- Deep
-[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.15.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 15: Width at pins''']]
+[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.7.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 7: Flank depth''']]
-==== Muscularity shoulder top view ====
+==== 8. Length of rump ====
-Reference point: Distance and muscularity between the tops of shoulders, top view.
+Reference point: Distance from hips to pins
-- Narrow
+- Short
 - Intermediate
-- Wide
+- Long
-[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.16.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 16: Muscolarity shoulder top view''']]
+[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.8.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 8: Length of ump]]
-==== Muscularity shoulder side view ====
+==== 9. Height at withers ====
-Reference point: Thickness of the muscles of the shoulders.
+Reference point: Measured from the top of the back in between the shoulders to the ground.
-- Thin
+- Short
 - Intermediate
-- Thick
+- Tall
-[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.17.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 17: Muscolarity shoulder side view''']]
+[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.9.jpg|center|thumb|400x400px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 9: Height at withers''']]
-==== Back width ====
+==== 10. Height at rump ====
-Reference point: Width of the back behind the shoulders.
+Reference point: Measured from the top of the back in between the hips to the ground.
-- Narrow
+- Short
 - Intermediate
-- Wide
+- Tall
-[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.18.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 18: Back width''']]
+[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.10.jpg|center|thumb|400x400px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 10: Height at rump''']]
-==== Thickness of loin ====
+==== 11. Rounding of ribs ====
-Reference point: Thickness of the loins just before the hips and after the last rib, side view on the right.
+Reference point: The curving of the ribs.
-- Thin
-- Intermediate
-- Thick
-[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.19.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 19: Thickness of loin''']]
-==== Thigh rounding side view ====
-Reference point: Curving of the tight behind the vertical line between pins and hock, side view.
 - Flat
@@ Line 1,403: / Line 1,393: @@
 - Round
-[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.20.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 20: Thigh rounding side view''']]
+[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.11.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 11: Roundings of ribs''']]
-==== Thigh width rear view ====
+==== 12. Rump angle ====
-Reference point: Width of the thighs, rear view, halfway. Represents the outside curving of the tights.
+Reference point: Measured as the angle of the rump structure from hooks (hips) to pins.
-- Narrow
+- High pins
 - Intermediate
-- Wide
+- Extreme slope
-[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.21.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 21: Thigh width rear view''']]
+[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.12.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 12: Rump angle''']]
-==== Thigh length ====
+==== 13. Tail set ====
-Reference point: Length of the thigh between pins and thigh attachment to the leg.
+Reference point: Insertion of the tail.
-- Short
+- Deep
 - Intermediate
-- Long
+- Prominent
-[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.22.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 22: Thigh length''']]
+[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.13.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 13: Tail set''']]
-==== Body condition score ====
+==== 14. Width at hips ====
-Reference point: The covering of fat over the tail head and rump. Not a true linear trait.
+Reference point: Distance between the hips.
-- Poor
+- Narrow
 - Intermediate
-- Grossly fat
+- Wide
-[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.23.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 23: Body condition score''']]
+[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.14.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 14: Width at hips''']]
-==== Muzzle width ====
+==== 15. Width at pins ====
-Reference point: Width of the muzzle.
+Reference point: Distance between the pins.
 - Narrow
@@ Line 1,443: / Line 1,433: @@
 - Wide
-[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.24.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 24: Muzzle width''']]
+[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.15.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 15: Width at pins''']]
-==== Top line ====
+==== 16. Muscularity shoulder top view ====
-Reference point: Curving of the back between shoulders and hips.
+Reference point: Distance and muscularity between the tops of shoulders, top view.
-- Weak (concave)
+- Narrow
 - Intermediate
-- Strong (convex)
+- Wide
-[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.25.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 25: Top line''']]
+[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.16.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 16: Muscolarity shoulder top view''']]
-==== Skin thickness ====
+==== 17. Muscularity shoulder side view ====
-Reference point: Thickness of skin.
+Reference point: Thickness of the muscles of the shoulders.
 - Thin
@@ Line 1,463: / Line 1,453: @@
 - Thick
-[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.26.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 26: Skin thickness''']]
+[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.17.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 17: Muscolarity shoulder side view''']]
-==== Front legs front view ====
+==== 18. Back width ====
-Reference point: Direction of the feet of the forelegs viewed from the front.
+Reference point: Width of the back behind the shoulders.
-- Toes in
+- Narrow
 - Intermediate
-- Toes out
+- Wide
-[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.27.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 27: Front legs front view''']]
+[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.18.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 18: Back width''']]
-==== Fore pasterns side view ====
+==== 19. Thickness of loin ====
-Reference point: Angle of the pasterns of fore legs with the floor.
+Reference point: Thickness of the loins just before the hips and after the last rib, side view on the right.
-- Low
+- Thin
 - Intermediate
-- Steep
+- Thick
-[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.28.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 28: Fore pasterns side view''']]
+[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.19.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 19: Thickness of loin''']]
-==== Rear legs rear view ====
+==== 20. Thigh rounding side view ====
-Reference point: Direction of the feet of the rear legs, viewed from the rear.
+Reference point: Curving of the tight behind the vertical line between pins and hock, side view.
-- Toes in
+- Flat
 - Intermediate
-- Toes out
+- Round
-[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.29.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 29: Rear legs rear view''']]
+[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.20.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 20: Thigh rounding side view''']]
-==== Rear legs side view ====
+==== 21. Thigh width rear view ====
-Reference point: Angle measured at the front of the hock.
+Reference point: Width of the thighs, rear view, halfway. Represents the outside curving of the tights.
-- Straight
+- Narrow
 - Intermediate
-- Sickled
+- Wide
-[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.30.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 30: Rear legs side view''']]
+[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.21.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 21: Thigh width rear view''']]
-==== Hind pasterns side view ====
+==== 22. Thigh length ====
-Reference point: Angle of the pasterns of the rear legs with the floor
+Reference point: Length of the thigh between pins and thigh attachment to the leg.
-- Low
+- Short
 - Intermediate
-- Steep
+- Long
-[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.31.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 31: Hind pasterns side view''']]
+[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.22.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 22: Thigh length''']]
-==== Claw angle ====
+==== 23. Body condition score ====
-Reference point: Angle at the front of the rear hoof measured from the floor to the hairline.
+Reference point: The covering of fat over the tail head and rump. Not a true linear trait.
-- Low
+- Poor
 - Intermediate
-- Steep
+- Grossly fat
-[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.32.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 32: Claw angle''']]
+[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.23.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 23: Body condition score''']]
-==== Thickness of bone ====
+==== 24. Muzzle width ====
-Reference point: Thickness of the canon bone the forelegs.
+Reference point: Width of the muzzle.
-- Thin
+- Narrow
 - Intermediate
-- Thick
+- Wide
-[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.33.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 33: Thickness of bone''']]
+[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.24.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 24: Muzzle width''']]
-==== Thickness of teat ====
+==== 25. Top line ====
-Reference point: Thickness of the teat in the middle of the front teat.
+Reference point: Curving of the back between shoulders and hips.
-- Thin
+- Weak (concave)
 - Intermediate
-- Thick
+- Strong (convex)
-[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.34.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 34: Thickness of teat''']]
+[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.25.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 25: Top line''']]
-==== Teat length ====
+==== 26. Skin thickness ====
-Reference point: The length of the front teat.
+Reference point: Thickness of skin.
-- Short
+- Thin
 - Intermediate
-- Long
+- Thick
-[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.35.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 35: Teat length''']]
+[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.26.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 26: Skin thickness''']]
-==== Udder balance ====
-Reference point: The balance of the udder floor between front and rear udder.
+==== 27. Front legs front view ====
+Reference point: Direction of the feet of the forelegs viewed from the front.
-- Front quarter higher than rear quarter
+- Toes in
 - Intermediate
-- Front quarter lower than rear quarter
+- Toes out
-[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.36.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 36: Udder balance''']]
+[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.27.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 27: Front legs front view''']]
-==== Udder depth ====
+==== 28. Fore pasterns side view ====
-Reference point: The distance from the top of the udder to the lowest part of the udder floor, side view.
+Reference point: Angle of the pasterns of fore legs with the floor.
-- Deep
+- Low
 - Intermediate
-- Shallow
+- Steep
-[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.37.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px]]
+[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.28.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 28: Fore pasterns side view''']]
-== Appendix 4: The standard trait definition for Dairy Goats ==
+==== 29. Rear legs rear view ====
-The ICAR multi dairy goat breed conformation recording recommendation describes a set of conformation traits which are currently used in several countries in several breeds. The traits are defined in such a way that they are not breed specific.
+Reference point: Direction of the feet of the rear legs, viewed from the rear.
-This document contains a list of standard traits, which is a list of traits which could be scored by all organisations in the same way to improve further harmonisation on international level. Conformation traits are important as auxiliary traits. Linear type scoring can also help to improve machine milkability in goats.
+- Toes in
-=== '''Trait definitions''' ===
+- Intermediate
-==== '''Linear Type Traits''' ====
+- Toes out
-Linear type traits are the basis of all modern type classification systems, and are the foundation of all systems for describing the dairy goat. Linear classification is based on measurements of individual type traits instead of opinions. It describes the degree of a trait, not its desirability.
+[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.29.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 29: Rear legs rear view''']]
-Advantages of linear scoring are:
+==== 30. Rear legs side view ====
+Reference point: Angle measured at the front of the hock.
-* Traits are scored individually
+- Straight
-* Scores cover a biological range
-* Variation within traits is identifiable
-* Degree rather than desirability is recorded
-==== '''Standard Traits''' ====
+- Intermediate
-The standard traits satisfy the following conditions:
-* Linear in a biological sense
+- Sickled
-* Single Trait
+[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.30.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 30: Rear legs side view''']]
-* Heritable
-* Economic value; Direct or indirect with reference to the breeding goal
+==== 31. Hind pasterns side view ====
-* Possible to measure instead of score
+Reference point: Angle of the pasterns of the rear legs with the floor
-* Variation within the population
-* Each linear trait should describe a unique part of the goat which is not covered by a combination of the other linear traits
-==== Approved Standard Traits ====
+- Low
-===== '''Frame traits''' =====
+- Intermediate
-* 1.    Stature
-* 2.    Chest Circumference
-* 3.    Body Depth
-* 4.    Rump Angle
-* 5.    Loin Strength
-* 6.    Rib structure, rear view and side view
-===== '''Leg traits''' =====
+- Steep
-* 7.   Rear Legs Set rear view
+[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.31.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 31: Hind pasterns side view''']]
-* 8.   Rear Legs Set side view
-* 9.   Front Pasterns side view
-* 10   Hind Pasterns side view
-* 11.   Feet Orientation
-===== '''Udder traits''' =====
+==== 32. Claw angle ====
-* 12.   Fore Udder Attachment
+Reference point: Angle at the front of the rear hoof measured from the floor to the hairline.
-* 13.   Central Ligament
-* 14.   Rear Udder Width
-* 15.   Udder Depth
-* 16.   Teat Placement rear view
-* 17.   Teat Orientation rear view
-* 18.   Teat Placement side view
-* 19.   Teat Orientation side view
-* 20.   Teat Length
-* 21. Teat Form
-=== Standard Trait Definition ===
+- Low
-The precise description of each trait is well defined and it is essential that the full range of linear scores to identify the intermediate and extremes of each trait be used. The assessment parameters for the calculations should be based on the expected biological extremes of the same category animals in terms of sex and age scored. The scale must cover the biological extremes of the current population or category. The extremes and the intermediates are ordered according to the degree of expression of the trait. For example thin and thick, long and short etc. A high or a low score has no particular meaning and it is not necessarily desirable or undesirable.
-Recommended Scale 1 - 9
+- Intermediate
-'''Note''': The linear scale used, must cover the expected biological extremes of the population in the country of assessment.
+- Steep
+[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.32.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 32: Claw angle''']]
-==== 1. Stature ====
+==== 33. Thickness of bone ====
-Reference point: Measured from the top of the spine in between the shoulders to ground. Precise measurement in centimeters or inches, or linear scale.
+Reference point: Thickness of the canon bone the forelegs.
-- Short
+- Thin
 - Intermediate
-- Tall
+- Thick
-[[File:S5-Appendix4-Fig.1.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 4. Figure 1: Stature''']]
+[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.33.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 33: Thickness of bone''']]
-==== Chest width ====
+==== 34. Thickness of teat ====
-Reference point: Measured form the inside surface between the top of the front legs.
+Reference point: Thickness of the teat in the middle of the front teat.
-- Narrow
+- Thin
 - Intermediate
-- Wide
+- Thick
-[[File:S5-Appendix4-Fig.2.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 4. Figure 2: Chest width''']]
+[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.34.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 34: Thickness of teat''']]
-==== Body depth ====
+==== 35. Teat length ====
-Reference point: Distance between top of spine and bottom of barrel at last rib - the deepest point.
+Reference point: The length of the front teat.
-- Shallow
+- Short
 - Intermediate
-- Deep
+- Long
-[[File:S5-Appendix4-Fig.3.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 4. Figure 3: Body depth''']]
+[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.35.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 35: Teat length''']]
+==== 36. Udder balance ====
+Reference point: The balance of the udder floor between front and rear udder.
-==== Thurl width ====
+- Front quarter higher than rear quarter
-Reference point: Distance between thurls.
-- Narrow
 - Intermediate
-- Wide
+- Front quarter lower than rear quarter
-[[File:S5-Appendix4-Fig.4.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 4. Figure 4: Thurl width''']]
+[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.36.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 3. Figure 36: Udder balance''']]
-==== Rump angle ====
+==== 37. Udder depth ====
-Reference point: Measured as the angle of the rump structure from hooks (hips) to pins.
+Reference point: The distance from the top of the udder to the lowest part of the udder floor, side view.
-- less slope
+- Deep
 - Intermediate
-- Extreme slope
+- Shallow
-[[File:S5-Appendix4-Fig.5.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 4. Figure 5: Rump angle''']]
+[[File:S5-Appendix3-Fig.37.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px]]
-==== Loin strength ====
+== Appendix 4: Conformation recoding of Dairy Goats ==
-Reference point: Strength of vertebrae between back and rump.
+The ICAR multi dairy goat breed conformation recording recommendation describes a set of conformation traits which are currently used in several countries in several breeds. The traits are defined in such a way that they are not breed specific.
-- Weak
+This document contains a list of standard traits, which is a list of traits which could be scored by all organisations in the same way to improve further harmonisation on international level. Conformation traits are important as auxiliary traits. Linear type scoring can also help to improve machine milkability in goats.
-- Intermediate
+=== Trait definitions ===
-- Strong
+==== Linear Type Traits ====
-[[File:S5-Appendix4-Fig.6.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px]]
+Linear type traits are the basis of all modern type classification systems, and are the foundation of all systems for describing the dairy goat. Linear classification is based on measurements of individual type traits instead of opinions. It describes the degree of a trait, not its desirability.
-==== Angularity ====
+Advantages of linear scoring are:
-Reference point: The spring of the ribs.
-- Small angle
+* Traits are scored individually
+* Scores cover a biological range
+* Variation within traits is identifiable
+* Degree rather than desirability is recorded
-- Intermediate
+==== Standard Traits ====
+The standard traits satisfy the following conditions:
-- Large angle
+* Linear in a biological sense
-[[File:S5-Appendix4-Fig.7.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 4. Figure 7: Angularity''']]
+* Single Trait
+* Heritable
+* Economic value; Direct or indirect with reference to the breeding goal
+* Possible to measure instead of score
+* Variation within the population
+* Each linear trait should describe a unique part of the goat which is not covered by a combination of the other linear traits
-==== Rear legs set rear view ====
+==== Approved Standard Traits ====
-Reference point: Distance between the hocks.
-- Small (x-legs)
+===== Frame traits =====
+* 1.    Stature
+* 2.    Chest Circumference
+* 3.    Body Depth
+* 4.    Rump Angle
+* 5.    Loin Strength
+* 6.    Rib structure, rear view and side view
-- Intermediate
+===== Leg traits =====
+* 7.   Rear Legs Set rear view
+* 8.   Rear Legs Set side view
+* 9.   Front Pasterns side view
+* 10   Hind Pasterns side view
+* 11.   Feet Orientation
-- Large (o-legs)
+===== Udder traits =====
-[[File:S5-Appendix4-Fig.8.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 4. Figure 8: Rear legs rear view''']]
+* 12.   Fore Udder Attachment
+* 13.   Central Ligament
+* 14.   Rear Udder Width
+* 15.   Udder Depth
+* 16.   Teat Placement rear view
+* 17.   Teat Orientation rear view
+* 18.   Teat Placement side view
+* 19.   Teat Orientation side view
+* 20.   Teat Length
+* 21. Teat Form
-==== Rear legs set side view ====
+=== Standard Trait Definition ===
-Reference point: Angle measured at the front of the hock.
+The precise description of each trait is well defined and it is essential that the full range of linear scores to identify the intermediate and extremes of each trait be used. The assessment parameters for the calculations should be based on the expected biological extremes of the same category animals in terms of sex and age scored. The scale must cover the biological extremes of the current population or category. The extremes and the intermediates are ordered according to the degree of expression of the trait. For example thin and thick, long and short etc. A high or a low score has no particular meaning and it is not necessarily desirable or undesirable.
-- Straight
+Recommended Scale 1 - 9
-- Intermediate
+'''Note''': The linear scale used, must cover the expected biological extremes of the population in the country of assessment.
-- Sickled
+==== 1. Stature ====
-[[File:S5-Appendix4-Fig.9.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 4. Figure 9: Rear legs side view''']]
+Reference point: Measured from the top of the spine in between the shoulders to ground. Precise measurement in centimeters or inches, or linear scale.
-==== Locomotion ====
+- Short
-Reference point: The use of legs and feet, length and direction of the step.
-- Severe abduction - short stride
+- Intermediate
-- Slight abduction - medium stride
+- Tall
+[[File:S5-Appendix4-Fig.1.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 4. Figure 1: Stature''']]
+==== 2.  Chest Circumference ====
+Ref. point: Circumference measured behind the shoulder blades. Precise measurement in centimetres or inches, or linear scale.
+Narrow and shallow
-- No abduction - long stride
+Intermediate
-[[File:S5-Appendix4-Fig.10.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 4. Figure 10: Locomotion''']]
-==== Fore udder attachment ====
+Wide and deep
-Reference point: The strength of attachment of the fore udder to the abdominal wall. Not a true linear trait.
+[[File:02 Chest circunference.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 4. Figure 2: Chest Circunference''']]
-- Weak and loose
+==== 3.  Body Depth ====
+Ref. point: Distance between top of spine and bottom of barrel at last rib – the deepest point.
-- Intermediate
+Shallow
-- Extremely strong and tight
+Intermediate
-[[File:S5-Appendix4-Fig.11.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 4. Figure 11: Fore udder attachment''']]
-==== Rear udder height ====
+Deep
-Reference point:  The distance between the bottom of the vulva and the milk secreting tissue.
+[[File:03 Body depth.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 4. Figure 3: Body depth''']]
-- Low
+==== 4.  Rump Angle ====
+Ref. point: Measured as the angle of the rump structure from hooks (hips) to pins.
-- Intermediate
+Less slope
-- High
+Intermediate slope
-[[File:S5-Appendix4-Fig.12.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 4. Figure 12: Rear udder height''']]
-==== Central ligament ====
+Extreme slope
-Reference point: The depth of cleft at the base of the rear udder.
+[[File:04 Rump angle.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 4. Figure 4: Rump Angle''']]
-- Convex to flat floor (flat), broken ligament
+==== 5.  Loin Strength ====
+Ref. point: Strength of vertebrae between back and rump.
-- Intermediate
+Weak
-- Deep cleft/strong ligament
+Intermediate
-[[File:S5-Appendix4-Fig.13.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 4. Figure 13: Central ligamnet''']]
-==== Rear udder width ====
+Strong
-Reference point: Width of the udder at the point where the milk secretion tissue is attached to the body.
+[[File:05 Loin Strength.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 4. Figure 5: Loin Strength''']]
-- Narrow
+==== 6.  Rib Structure ====
-- Intermediate
+Ref. point: The spring of the ribs.
-- Wide
+==== Rib structure, rear view ====
-[[File:S5-Appendix4-Fig.14.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 4. Figure 14: Rear Udder width''']]
+Small angle
-==== Udder depth ====
+Intermediate angle
-Reference point: The distance from the lowest part of the udder floor to the hock.
-- deep
+Large angle
+[[File:06 Rib Structure.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 4. Figure 6: Rib Structure, rear view''']]
-- Intermediate
+==== Rib structure, side view ====
+Small angle
-- Shallow
+Intermediate angle
-Potential point of reference is the level with the hock.
+Large angle
-[[File:S5-Appendix4-Fig.15.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 4. Figure 15: Udder depth''']]
+[[File:07 Rib structure side view.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 4. Figure 7: Rib Structure, side view''']]
-==== Teat placement rear view ====
+==== 7.  Rear Legs Set, rear view ====
-Reference point: The direction of the teats in relation to the udder viewed from rear.
+Ref. point: Distance between the hocks.
-- Outside
+Small distance (x-legs)
-- Intermediate
+Straight legs
-- Downwards
+Large distance (o-legs)
-[[File:S5-Appendix4-Fig.16.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 4. Figure 16: Teat placement rear view''']]
+[[File:08 Rear Legs Set rear view.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 4. Figure 8: Rear Legs Set, rear view''']]
-==== Teat placement side view ====
+==== 8. Rear Legs Set, side view ====
-Reference point: The position of teat in udder viewed from the side.
+Ref. point: Angle measured at the front of the hock.
-- In front
+Straight
-- Intermediate
+Intermediate
-- At bottom
+Sickled
-[[File:S5-Appendix4-Fig.17.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 4. Figure 17: Teat placement side view''']]
+[[File:09 Rear Legs Set side view.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 4. Figure 9: Rear Legs Set side view''']]
-==== Teat length ====
+==== 9. Front Pasterns, side view ====
-Reference point: The length of the teat.
+Ref. point: Angle of the pasterns of the front legs with the floor.
-- Short
+Low
-- Intermediate
+Intermediate
-- Long
+Steep
-[[File:S5-Appendix4-Fig.18.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 4. Figure 18: Teat length''']]
+[[File:10 Front Pasterns side view.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 4. Figure 10: Front Pasterns, side view''']]
-==== Teat form ====
+==== 10.  Hind Pasterns side view ====
-Reference point: The shape of the teat, from triangle to finger form, viewed from rear or from side.
+Ref. point: Angle of the pasterns of the rear legs with the floor.
-- Triangle shape - wide
+Low
-- Intermediate
+Intermediate
-- Finger shape - narrow
+Steep
-[[File:S5-Appendix4-Fig.19.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 4. Figure 19: Teat form''']]
+[[File:10 Hind Pasterns side view.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 4. Figure 11: Hind Pasterns, side view''']]
+==== 11. Feet orientation ====
+Ref. point: Orientation of the rear feet (claws), recorded when the goat is walking.
+Wide open
+Open
+Parallel
+[[File:11 Feet orientation.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 4. Figure 12: Feet Orientation''']]
+==== 12.  Fore Udder Attachment ====
+Ref. point: The strength of attachment of the fore udder to the abdominal wall. Not a true linear trait.
+Weak and loose
+Intermediate
+Extremely strong and tight
+[[File:12 Fore Udder Attachment.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 4. Figure 13: Fore Udder Attachment''']]
+==== 13.  Central Ligament'' '' ====
+Ref. point: The depth of cleft at the base of the rear udder.
+Broken ligament
+Intermediate
+Deep cleft/strong ligament
+[[File:13 Central ligament.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 4. Figure 14: Central Ligament''']]
+==== 14. Rear udder width ====
+Ref. Point: Width of the udder at the point where the milk secretion tissue is attached to the body.
+Narrow
+Intermediate
+Wide
+[[File:14 rear udder width.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 4. Figure 15: Rear udder width''']]
+==== 15.  Udder Depth ====
+Ref. point: The distance from the lowest part of the udder floor to the hock.
+Deep
+Intermediate
+Shallow
+Potential point of reference is the level with the hock
+[[File:15 Udder Depth.jpg|alt=Section 5. Appendix 4. Figure 15: Udder Depth|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 4. Figure 16: Udder Depth''']]
+==== 16.  Teat Placement rear view ====
+Ref. point: The direction of the teats in relation to the udder viewed from rear.
+Outside
+Intermediate
+Inside
+[[File:16 Teat placement rear view.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 4. Figure 17: Teat Placement, rear view''']]
+==== 17. Teat Orientation rear view ====
+Ref. point: The direction of the teats in relation to the udder viewed from rear.
+Markedly outward
+Upright
+Markedly inward
+[[File:Teat Orientation rear view.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 4. Figure 18: Teat Orientation rear view''']]
+==== 18. Teat Placement side view ====
+Ref. point: The position of teat in udder viewed from the side.
+In front
+Intermediate
+At the bottom
+[[File:Teat Placement side view.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 4. Figure 19: Teat Placement, side view''']]
+==== 19. Teat Orientation side view ====
+Ref. point: The direction of the teats in relation to the udder viewed from the side.
+Forward
+Downward
+Backward
+[[File:Teat Orientation side view.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 4. Figure 20: Teat Orientation, side view''']]
+==== 20. Teat Length ====
+Ref. point: The length of the teat. Precise measurement in centimetres or inches, or linear scale.
+Short
+Intermediate
+Long
+[[File:20 Teat Length.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 4. Figure 21: Teat Length''']]
+==== 21.  Teat Form ====
+Ref. point: The shape of the teat, from triangle to finger form, viewed from rear or from side.
+Triangle/wide
+Intermediate
+Finger/narrow
+[[File:21 Teat form.jpg|center|thumb|600x600px|'''Section 5. Appendix 4. Figure 22: Teat Form''']]
+==== '''3.1.4 Composite traits and general characteristics''' ====
+===== '''3.1.4.1 Composite Traits''' =====
+# Composite traits are groups of linear traits relating to one specific area.
+# The main composite traits are – Frame, Udder, Feet/Legs and Final Score.
+===== '''3.1.4.2 General Characteristics''' =====
+# Type classification programmes also include phenotype assessment. These are described as general characteristics or combined traits, which are not linear in a biological sense. A subjective score is given for the desirability of the animal according to the breeding goal.
+# Animals are inspected, classified and assigned grades/scores ranging from 1-9 points.
+# The most common scale is reported in table 5, below reported.
+# The awarding of classification grades varies in each country depending upon the breeding goals, and therefore classification scores must be considered in the context of a breed in the country of inspection.
+# The final class and score are derived from a breakdown of the main functional areas of the animal, groupped for Frame, Udder or Legs/Feet
+# For the quality of data, it is important to score the traits for categories of similar age or sex. It is recommended to score goats in the 1<sup>st</sup> (standard) lactation and bucks within the 1<sup>st</sup> year, starting at 5 months of age.
+# The weighting of the component breakdown scores should meet the breeding goals in the breed and country of inspection. It is recommended that for animals the range of scores used is 1 – 9 points. The average score is always in the middle of the maximum score and the minimum score the group (for example population within a country) can be awarded. In the case of the range 1-9, the population average should be close to 5.
+''Table 5. The most common scale for inspected, classified and assigned grades/scores in animal classification ranging from 1-9 points''
+{| class="wikitable"
+|Excellent .
+|9 				points
+|-
+|Very Good
+|7 				- 8 "
+|-
+|Good Plus
+|4 				- 6 "
+|-
+|Good
+|2 				- 3 "
+|-
+|Fair/Poor/Insufficient
+|1 				point
+|}
+The Sub-Working-Group on Goat Conformation Traits would like to express its sincere thanks to Patricia Besseling for the excellent drawings.
 == Appendix 5: Relationship between conformation and functional traits for dairy and dual purpose cattle ==

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Section 05 – Conformation Recording: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 18:08, 27 May 2025

Introduction

Linear and composite type traits

Linear Type Traits

Standard traits

Composite traits and general characteristics

Composite traits

General characteristics

Genetic evaluation of dairy and dual purpose animals

Type inspection system - Genetic evaluation

Evaluation model

Publication of information

Conformation recording of dairy cattle

Conformation recording of dual purpose cattle

Conformation recording of beef cattle

Conformation recording of dairy goats

Improving data quality and monitoring classifiers

Introduction

Practical aspects of type classification system

Training and monitoring of classifiers

National group training sessions

Statistical monitoring of individual classifiers

Auditing a classification system

Recommendation on scoring conformation defects in cattle

Introduction

Description of defect

Approved standard

Relationship between conformation and functional traits for dairy and dual purpose cattle

General considerations on the use of conformation data for longevity source

Guidelines on usage of data from AMS systems to derive udder conformation traits

Introduction

Description of AMS data about udder traits

Edits screening AMS data

Analysis of data in genetic evaluation

Considerations

References

Recommendation on scoring conformation defects in dairy goats

Introduction

Description of defect

Approved standard defects

Appendix 1: The standard trait definition for dairy cattle

Approved standard traits

Common standard traits

Standard trait definition

1. Stature

2. Chest width

3. Body depth

.4 Rib Structure

5. Rump Angle

6. Rump width

7. Rear legs rear view

8. Rear legs set

9. Foot angle

10. Font Feet Orientation

11. Locomotion

12. Fore udder attachment

13. Front teat placement

14. Teat length

15. Udder depth

16. Rear udder height

17. Central ligament

18. Rear teat placement

21. Udder balance

20. Body condition score

21. Hock development

22. Bone structure

23. Rear udder width

24. Teat thickness

25. Muscularity

26. Loin strength

Appendix 2: The standard trait definition for dual purpose cattle

Approved Standard Traits

Standard trait definition

1. Stature

2. Chest width

3. Body depth

4. Rump angle